Identification and mapping of the QTL for aluminum tolerance introgressed from the new source, <Emphasis Type="SmallCaps">ORYZA RUFIPOGON</Emphasis> Griff., into indica rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> L.)

This study was conducted to identify and map the quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling Al tolerance in rice using molecular markers. A population of 171 F(6) recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from the cross of Oryza sativa (IR64), the Al susceptible parent, and Oryza rufipogon, the Al tolerant parent, was evaluated for Al tolerance using a nutrient solution with and without 40 ppm of active Al(+3). A genetic map, consisting of 151 molecular markers covering 1,755 cM with an average distance of 11.6 cM between loci, was constructed. Nine QTLs were dentified including one for root length under non-stress conditions (CRL), three for root length under Al stress (SRL) and five for relative root length (RRL). O. rufipogon contributed favorable alleles for each of the five QTLs for RRL, which is a primary parameter for Al tolerance, and individually they explained 9.0-24.9% of the phenotypic variation. Epistatic analysis revealed that CRL was conditioned by an epistatic effect, whereas SRL and RRL were controlled by additive effects. Comparative genetic analysis showed that QTLs for RRL, which mapped on chromosomes 1 and 9, appear to be consistent among different rice populations. Interestingly, a major QTL for RRL, which explained 24.9% of the phenotypic variation, was found on chromosome 3 of rice, which is conserved across cereal species. These results indicate the possibilities to use marker-assisted selection and pyramiding QTLs for enhancing Al tolerance in rice. Positional cloning of such QTLs introgressed from O. rufipogon will provide a better understanding of the Al tolerance mechanism in rice and the evolutionary genetics of plant adaptation to acid-soil conditions across cereal species.     

Natural variation in the promoter of OsHMA3 contributes to differential grain cadmium accumulation between Indica and Japonica rice

Rice is a major source of cadmium(Cd) intake for Asian people. Indica rice usually accumulates more Cd in shoots and grains than Japonica rice. However, underlying genetic bases for differential Cd accumulation between Indica and Japonica rice are still unknown. In this study, we cloned a quantitative trait locus(QTL) grain Cd concentration on chromosome 7(GCC7) responsible for differential grain Cd accumulation between two rice varieties by performing QTL analysis and map-based cloning. We found that the two GCC7 alleles, GCC7~(PA64s) and GCC7~(93-11), had different promoter activity of OsHMA3,leading to different OsHMA3 expression and different shoot and grain Cd concentrations. By analyzing the distribution of different haplotypes of GCC7 among diverse rice accessions, we discovered that the high and low Cd accumulation alleles, namely GCC7~(93-11) and GCC7~(PA64s), were preferentially distributed in Indica and Japonica rice,respectively. We further showed that the GCC7~(PA64s)allele can be used to replace the GCC7~(93-11) allele in the super cultivar 93-11 to reduce grain Cd concentration without adverse effect on agronomic traits. Our results thus reveal that the QTL GCC7 with sequence variation in the OsHMA3 promoter is an important determinant controlling differential grain Cd accumulation between Indica and Japonica rice.     

水稻资源开花期耐热性的全基因组关联分析

水稻在开花期对高温非常敏感,挖掘耐热种质并解析耐热性的遗传机制,有助于水稻的耐热性遗传改良。本研究选取205份国内外种质资源,在抽穗开花期对遇高温的稻穗进行标记,以高温下标记穗的结实率作为耐热指标,结合高密度SNP标记进行全基因组关联分析并初步预测候选基因。结果表明:不同水稻种质的耐热性差异明显,高温下的结实率最低为19.0%,平均值为64.0%,中位值为65.9%,最高值为86.6%,其中06-32、剪刀齐、娄早籼5号等17份种质的耐热性较强;全基因组关联分析共筛选到130个与耐热性显著关联的SNP标记,并鉴定到18个耐热QTL,其中6个QTL与已报道的耐热相关QTL共定位;qHT4-6与耐热性的关联度最高,根据该区间lead SNP的单倍型分类,G单倍型材料的开花期耐热性显著强于A单倍型材料,该区间附近有7个基因可能受高温调控。     

QTL analysis of percentage of grains with chalkiness in Japonica rice (Oryza sativa)

Appearance quality of rice grains is a major problem for rice production in many areas of the world. We conducted a molecular marker-based genetic analysis of percentage of grains with chalkiness (PGWC), which is a determining factor for appearance quality; it strongly affects milling, eating and cooking quality. An F(8) recombinant inbred line population, which consists of 261 lines derived from a cross between Koshihikari (Japonica) and C602 (Japonica), was used for QTL mapping. Three QTLs related to PGWC were detected on chromosomes 5, 8 and 10, together explaining 50.8% of the genetic variation. The 'Koshihikari' alleles qJPGC-5, qJPGC-8 and the 'C602' alleles at qJPGC-10 were associated with reduced PGWC. The QTL contributions to phenotypic variance were 18.2, 9.6 and 25%, respectively. These QTL markers for PGWC could be used for developing improved varieties.     

Genotypic variation in tolerance to elevated ozone in rice: dissection of distinct genetic factors linked to tolerance mechanisms

Tropospheric ozone concentrations are increasing in many Asian countries and are expected to reach levels that adversely affect crop production. Developing ozone-tolerant rice (Oryza sativa L.) varieties is therefore essential to prevent yield losses in the future. The aims of this study were to assess genotypic variation for ozone tolerance in rice, to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) conferring tolerance, and to relate QTLs to physiological tolerance mechanisms. The response of 23 varieties to elevated ozone (120 nl l(-1)) was assessed based on leaf bronzing and dry weight loss. The traditional variety 'Kasalath' was highly tolerant, whereas the modern variety 'Nipponbare' showed significant dry weight reductions. Using the Nipponbare/Kasalath/Nipponbare mapping population, six QTLs associated with tolerance to elevated ozone were identified, of which three were subsequently confirmed in Nipponbare/Kasalath substitution lines (SLs). Two QTLs associated with leaf bronzing were located on chromosomes three and nine. Kasalath alleles on chromosome three increased bronzing, while alleles on chromosome nine reduced bronzing. SLs carrying these contrasting QTLs differed significantly in leaf ascorbic acid (AsA) content when exposed to ozone, suggesting AsA as a principal antioxidant counteracting ozone-induced oxidative damage. A further confirmed QTL related to dry weight was located on chromosome eight, where the Kasalath allele increased relative dry weight. A SL carrying this QTL exhibited a less reduced net photosynthetic rate under ozone exposure compared with its recurrent parent Nipponbare. Although the effect of these QTLs on crop yield has not yet been established, their identification could be an important first step in developing ozone-tolerant rice varieties.     

QTLs conferring cold tolerance at the booting stage of rice using recombinant inbred lines from a <Emphasis Type="Italic">japonica</Emphasis> × <Emphasis Type="Italic">indica</Emphasis> cross

Low temperature stress is common for rice grown in temperate regions and at high elevations in the tropics. The most senstive stage to this stress is booting, about 11 days before heading. Japonica cultivars are known to be more tolerant than indicas. We constructed a genetic map using 191 recombinant inbred lines derived from a cross between a temperate japonica, M-202, and a tropical indica, IR50, in order to locate quantitative trait loci (QTLs) conferring cold tolerance. The map with a total length of 1,276.8 cM and an average density of one marker every 7.1 cM was developed from 181 loci produced by 175 microsatellite markers. Cold tolerance was measured as the degree of spikelet sterility of treated plants at a 12 degrees C temperature for 5 days in the growth chamber. QTLs on chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 9 and 12 were identified to confer cold tolerance at the booting stage. The QTL contribution to the phenotypic variation ranged from 11 to 17%. The two QTLs with the highest contribution to variation, designated qCTB2a and qCTB3, were derived from the tolerant parent, M-202, each explaining approximately 17% of the phenotypic variance. Two of the eight QTLs for cold tolerance were contributed by IR50.     

Locating QTL for osmotic adjustment and dehydration tolerance in rice

Research was conducted to identify and map quantitative traitloci (QTL) associated with dehydration tolerance and osmoticadjustment of rice. Osmotic adjustment capacity and lethal osmoticpotential were determined for 52 recombinant inbred lines grownin a controlled environment under conditions of a slowly developedstress. The lines were from a cross between an Indica cultivar,Co39, of lowland adaptation and a Japonica cultivar, Moroberekan,a traditional upland cultivar. The QTL analysis was conductedusing single marker analysis (ANOVA) and interval analysis (Mapmaker/QTL).The measurements obtained and the QTL identified were comparedto root traits and leaf rolling scores measured on the samelines. One major locus was associated with osmotic adjustment. Theputative locus for osmotic adjustment may be homoeologous witha single recessive gene previously identified for the same traitin wheat. The putative osmotic adjustment locus and two of thefive QTL associated with dehydration tolerance were close tochromosomal regions associated with root morphology. In thispopulation, osmotic adjustment and dehydration tolerance werenegatively associated with root morphological characters associatedwith drought avoidance. High osmotic adjustment and dehydrationtolerance were associated with Co39 alleles and extensive rootsystems were associated with Moroberekan alleles. To combinehigh osmotic adjustment with extensive root systems, the linkagebetween these traits will need to be broken. Alternatively,if the target environment is a lowland environment with onlybrief water deficit periods, selection for drought tolerancecharacteristics without consideration of the root system maybe most appropriate. Key words: Drought, rice, osmotic adjustment, dehydration tolerance, molecular markers, QTL, breeding     

广西水稻地方品种耐冷性鉴定及相关分析

对419份广西水稻地方品种初级核心种质进行芽期、苗期的耐冷性鉴定及相关分析,结果表明:广西水稻地方品种芽期、苗期耐冷性主要集中在7级和9级,总体耐冷性较弱。芽期、苗期极强耐冷种质(1级)分别为24份和27份,占参试总数的5.73%和6.44%,其中10份种质芽期和苗期均表现极强耐冷(1级)。芽期、苗期耐冷性呈极显著正相关(r=0.66)。粳稻芽期、苗期耐冷性均显著高于籼稻;粘糯稻之间耐冷性差异是由籼粳稻类型的耐冷差异引起的;来自高寒山区稻作区的品种芽期和苗期平均耐冷表现最强。利用34个SSR标记与芽期、苗期耐冷性进行Pearson相关分析,在第7和第9染色体上,各鉴定出1个同时与芽期和苗期耐冷性相关联的位点。本研究为水稻芽期、苗期耐冷育种提供新的抗源材料,并为水稻耐冷基因定位及机理研究奠定基础。     

中国水稻微核心种质不同生育时期耐冷性鉴定及其相关分析

以204份中国水稻微核心种质为试验材料,进行了水稻发芽期、芽期、幼苗期、孕穗期等耐冷性鉴定及其相关性分析。结果表明,水稻各生育时期耐冷性在籼粳亚种间、各种质之间存在明显的差异。粳稻种质的耐冷性明显强于籼稻种质,但籼稻种质中也存在耐冷性较强的种质。高阳淀稻大红芒、肥东塘稻、木樨球、卫国、兴国、山酒谷、中花8号等粳稻种质和包选21号、红米三担白、寸谷糯、红谷等籼稻种质在水稻各生育时期均表现较强的耐冷性,在水稻耐冷性育种及耐冷基因发掘研究中应加以利用。自然低温和冷水胁迫下水稻结实率与低温下发芽率呈显著或极显著正相关,而与死苗率呈显著负相关,即低温下发芽期耐冷性和芽期耐冷性强的水稻种质一般表现为较强的孕穗期耐冷性。认为低温下发芽率和芽期低温处理后的死苗率可以作为孕穗期耐冷性早期鉴定的间接指标。     

QTL clusters reflect character associations in wild and cultivated rice

The genetic basis of character association related to differentiation found in the primary gene pool of rice was investigated based on the genomic distribution of quantitative trait loci (QTLs). Major evolutionary trends in cultivated rice of Asiatic origin (Oryza sativa) and its wild progenitor (O. rufipogon) are: (1) differentiation from wild to domesticated types (domestication), (2) ecotype differentiation between the perennial and annual types in wild races, and (3) the Indica versus Japonica type differentiation in cultivated races. Using 125 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between an Indica cultivar of O. sativa and a strain of O. rufipogon carrying some Japonica-like characteristics, we mapped 147 markers, mostly RFLPs, on 12 chromosomes. Thirty-seven morphological and physiological quantitative traits were evaluated, and QTLs for 24 traits were detected. The mapped loci showed a tendency to form clusters that are composed of QTLs of the domestication-related traits as well as Indica/Japonica diagnostic traits. QTLs for perennial/annual type differences did not cluster. This cluster phenomenon could be considered "multifactorial linkages" followed by natural selection favoring co-adapted traits. Further, it is possible that the clustering phenomenon is partly due to pleiotropy of some unknown key factor(s) controlling various traits through diverse metabolic pathways. Chromosomal regions where QTL clusters were found coincided with the regions harboring genes or gene blocks where the frequency of cultivar-derived alleles in RILs is higher than expected. This distortion may be partly due to unconscious selection favoring cultivated plant type during the establishment of RILs.     

Molecular mapping of genomic regions underlying barley yellow dwarf tolerance in cultivated oat (Avena sativa L.)

Barley yellow dwarf (BYD) is one of the most important viral diseases in small grains, including oat (Avena sativa L.). Breeding for BYD tolerance is an effective and efficient means to control the disease. Characterization of major sources of tolerance, and identification of marker and the trait associations, will directly benefit breeding for BYD tolerance. Genomic regions underlying BYD tolerance were mapped and characterized in an oat population consisting of 152 recombinant inbred lines from the cross of 'Ogle' (tolerant)/MAM17-5 (sensitive). Tolerance was evaluated in replicated field trials across 2 years under artificial inoculation with viruliferous aphids harboring BYD virus isolate PAV-IL. Composite interval mapping was used for quantitative trait loci (QTLs) analysis with a framework map consisting of 272 molecular markers. Four QTLs, BYDq1, BYDq2, BYDq3 and BYDq4, for BYD tolerance were identified on linkage groups OM1, 5, 7 and 24, respectively. All but BYDq2 were consistently detected across both years. Significant epistasis was found between some QTLs. The final model including the epistatic effect explained 50.3 to 58.2% of the total phenotypic variation for BYD tolerance. Some QTLs for BYD tolerance were closely linked to QTLs for plant height and days to heading. Potential problems with QTL mapping for BYD tolerance have been discussed. The identified association of markers and tolerance should be useful to pyramid favorable alleles for BYD tolerance into individual oat lines.     

QTLs and epistasis for aluminum tolerance in rice (Oryza sativa L.) at different seedling stages

To investigate the genetic background for aluminum (Al) tolerance in rice, a recombinant inbred (RI) population, derived from a cross between an Al-sensitive lowland indica rice variety IR1552 and an Al-tolerant upland japonica rice variety Azucena, was used in culture solution. A molecular linkage map, together with 104 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers and 103 restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers, was constructed to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and epistatic loci for Al tolerance based on the segregation for relative root length (RRL) in the population. RRL was measured after stress for 2 and 4 weeks at a concentration of 1mM of Al³⁺ and a control with a pH 4.0, respectively. Two QTLs were detected at both the 2nd and the 4th weeks on chromosomes 1 and 12 from unconditional mapping, while the QTL on chromosome 1 was only detected at the 2nd stress week from conditional mapping. The effect of the QTL on chromosome 12 was increased with an increase of the stress period from 2 to 4 weeks. The QTL on chromosome 1 was expressed only at the earlier stress, but its contribution to tolerance was prolonged during growth. At least one different QTL was detected at the different stress periods. Mean comparisons between marker genotypic classes indicated that the positive alleles at the QTLs were from the Al-tolerant upland rice Azucena. An important heterozygous non-allelic interaction on Al tolerance was found. The results indicated that tolerance in the younger seedlings was predominantly controlled by an additive effect, while an epistatic effect was more important to the tolerance in older seedlings; additionally the detected QTLs may be multiple allelic loci for Al tolerance and phosphorus-uptake efficiency, or for Al and Fe²⁺ tolerance. Received: 29 July 1999 / Accepted: 13 October 1999     

High-throughput single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping for breeding applications in rice using the BeadXpress platform

Multiplexed single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers have the potential to increase the speed and cost-effectiveness of genotyping, provided that an optimal SNP density is used for each application. To test the efficiency of multiplexed SNP genotyping for diversity, mapping and breeding applications in rice (Oryza sativa L.), we designed seven GoldenGate VeraCode oligo pool assay (OPA) sets for the Illumina BeadXpress Reader. Validated markers from existing 1536 Illumina SNPs and 44?K Affymetrix SNP chips developed at Cornell University were used to select subsets of informative SNPs for different germplasm groups with even distribution across the genome. A 96-plex OPA was developed for quality control purposes and for assigning a sample into one of the five O. sativa population subgroups. Six 384-plex OPAs were designed for genetic diversity analysis, DNA fingerprinting, and to have evenly-spaced polymorphic markers for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping and background selection for crosses between different germplasm pools in rice: Indica/Indica, Indica/Japonica, Japonica/Japonica, Indica/O. rufipogon, and Japonica/O. rufipogon. After testing on a diverse set of rice varieties, two of the SNP sets were re-designed by replacing poor-performing SNPs. Pilot studies were successfully performed for diversity analysis, QTL mapping, marker-assisted backcrossing, and developing specialized genetic stocks, demonstrating that 384-plex SNP genotyping on the BeadXpress platform is a robust and efficient method for marker genotyping in rice.     

QTL mapping and confirmation for tolerance of anaerobic conditions during germination derived from the rice landrace Ma-Zhan Red

Wide adoption of direct-seeded rice practices has been hindered by poorly leveled fields, heavy rainfall and poor drainage, which cause accumulation of water in the fields shortly after sowing, leading to poor crop establishment. This is due to the inability of most rice varieties to germinate and reach the water surface under complete submergence. Hence, tolerance of anaerobic conditions during germination is an essential trait for direct-seeded rice cultivation in both rainfed and irrigated ecosystems. A QTL study was conducted to unravel the genetic basis of tolerance of anaerobic conditions during germination using a population derived from a cross between IR42, a susceptible variety, and Ma-Zhan Red, a tolerant landrace from China. Phenotypic data was collected based on the survival rates of the seedlings at 21 days after sowing of dry seeds under 10 cm of water. QTL analysis of the mapping population consisting of 175 F_2:3 families genotyped with 118 SSR markers identified six significant QTLs on chromosomes 2, 5, 6, and 7, and in all cases the tolerant alleles were contributed by Ma-Zhan Red. The largest QTL on chromosome 7, having a LOD score of 14.5 and an R ² of 31.7 %, was confirmed using a BC₂F₃ population. The QTLs detected in this study provide promising targets for further genetic characterization and for use in marker-assisted selection to rapidly develop varieties with improved tolerance to anaerobic condition during germination. Ultimately, this trait can be combined with other abiotic stress tolerance QTLs to provide resilient varieties for direct-seeded systems.     

中国水稻微核心种质不同生育时期耐冷性鉴定及其相关分析

以204份中国水稻微核心种质为试验材料,进行了水稻发芽期、芽期、幼苗期、孕穗期等耐冷性鉴定及其相关性分析。结果表明,水稻各生育时期耐冷性在籼粳亚种间、各种质之间存在明显的差异。粳稻种质的耐冷性明显强于籼稻种质,但籼稻种质中也存在耐冷性较强的种质。高阳淀稻大红芒、肥东塘稻、木樨球、卫国、兴国、山酒谷、中花8号等粳稻种质和包选21号、红米三担白、寸谷糯、红谷等籼稻种质在水稻各生育时期均表现较强的耐冷性,在水稻耐冷性育种及耐冷基因发掘研究中应加以利用。自然低温和冷水胁迫下水稻结实率与低温下发芽率呈显著或极显著正相关,而与死苗率呈显著负相关,即低温下发芽期耐冷性和芽期耐冷性强的水稻种质一般表现为较强的孕穗期耐冷性。认为低温下发芽率和芽期低温处理后的死苗率可以作为孕穗期耐冷性早期鉴定的间接指标。     

水稻萌发耐淹性的遗传分析

水稻(Oryza sativa)萌发耐淹性受到复杂的网络调控, 其分子机制不同于苗期耐淹性的相关机制, 萌发耐淹性的强弱影响着直播稻的成苗率。通过对256份水稻核心种质的萌发耐淹性评估, 发现粳稻和籼稻之间的萌发耐淹性差异并不显著, 都存在广泛的遗传变异。利用以粳稻R0380为供体亲本, 籼稻RP2334为轮回亲本的170个高代回交自交系构建含146个分子标记的连锁图谱, 以低氧胚芽鞘长度为性状指标, 通过复合区间作图法检测到影响萌发耐淹性的4个QTLs(quantitative trait loci), 分别定位于第2(2个)、3(1个)和8号(1个)染色体。贡献率最大的QTL为qGS2.2, 其值为17.34%, 增效等位基因来自轮回亲本籼稻RP2334; 其余3个QTLs的增效等位基因均来自供体亲本粳稻R0380, 贡献率分别为12.86%、9.37%和14.60%。     

Identification of quantitative trait loci associated with salt tolerance at seedling stage from Oryza rufipogon

Soil salinity is one of the major abiotic stresses affecting plant growth and crop production.In the present study,salt tolerance at rice seedling stage was evaluated using 87 introgression lines (ILs),which were derived from a cross between an elite indica cultivar Teqing and an accession of common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.).Substantial variation was observed for four traits including salt tolerance score (STS),relative root dry weight (RRW),relative shoot dry weight (RSW) and relative total dry weight (RTW).STS was significantly positively correlated with all other three traits.A total of 15 putative quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with these four traits were detected using single-point analysis,which were located on chromosomes 1,2,3,6,7,9 and 10 with 8％-26％ explaining the phenotypic variance.The O.rufipogon-derived alleles at 13 QTLs (86.7％) could improve the salt tolerance in the Teqing background.Four QTL clusters affecting RRW,RSW and RTW were found on chromosomes 6,7,9 and 10,respectively.Among these four QTL clusters,a major cluster including three QTLs (qRRW10,qRSW10 and qRTW10) was found near the maker RM271 on the long arm of chromosome 10,and the O.rufipogon-derived alleles at these three loci increased RRW,RSW and RTW with additive effects of 22.7％,17.3％ and 18.5％,respectively,while the phenotypic variance explained by these three individual QTLs for the three traits varied from 19％ to 26％.In addition,several salt tolerant ILs were selected and could be used for identifying and utilizing favorable salt tolerant genes from common wild rice and used in the salt tolerant rice breeding program.     

江西东乡野生稻苗期抗旱基因定位

普通野生稻是栽培稻的祖先种,其遗传多样性远远大于栽培稻,蕴涵着栽培品种中难以找到的重要性状.以江西东乡普通野生稻为供体、以桂朝2号为遗传背景的野生稻基因渗入系（BC4F5、BC4F6）为材料,利用30%的PEG人工模拟干旱环境,对渗入系二叶一心苗期进行抗旱鉴定,共定位了12个与抗旱有关的QTL,其中在第2、6和12染色体上发现了4个QTL的加性效应值为正,来自东乡野生稻的等位基因能使渗入系的抗旱性增强,特别是位于第12染色体RM17附近的qSDT12-2在多次重复中均被检测到,在PEG处理后1-8 d能稳定表达.通过对抗旱性QTL的动态分析,发现不同QTL表达时间不同.     

Genetic diversity and association mapping of seed vigor in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Key message

Twenty-seven QTLs were identified for rice seed vigor, in which 16 were novel QTLs. Fifteen elite parental combinations were designed for improving seed vigor in rice.

Abstract

Seed vigor is closely related to direct seeding in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Previous quantitative trait locus (QTL) studies for seed vigor were mainly derived from bi-parental segregating populations and no report from natural populations. In this study, association mapping for seed vigor was performed on a selected sample of 540 rice cultivars (419 from China and 121 from Vietnam). Population structure was estimated on the basis of 262 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Seed vigor was evaluated by root length (RL), shoot length (SL) and shoot dry weight in 2011 and 2012. Abundant phenotypic and genetic diversities were found in the studied population. The population was divided into seven subpopulations, and the levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) ranged from 10 to 80 cM. We identified 27 marker–trait associations involving 18 SSR markers for three traits. According to phenotypic effects for alleles of the detected QTLs, elite alleles were mined. These elite alleles could be used to design parental combinations and the expected results would be obtained by pyramiding or substituting the elite alleles per QTL (apart from possible epistatic effects). Our results demonstrate that association mapping can complement and enhance previous QTL information for marker-assisted selection and breeding by design.