Quantitative trait loci controlling barley powdery mildew and scald resistances in two different barley doubled haploid populations

Powdery mildew and scald can cause significant yield loss in barley. In order to identify new resistance genes for powdery mildew and scald in barley, two barley doubled haploid (DH) populations were screened for adult plant resistance in the field and glasshouse under natural infection. The mapping populations included 92 DH lines from the cross of TX9425 × Franklin and 177 DH lines from the cross of Yerong × Franklin. Two quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to powdery mildew were identified in the TX9425 × Franklin population. These QTL were mapped to chromosomes 7H and 5H, respectively. The phenotypic variation explained by the two QTL detected in this population was 22 and 17%, respectively. Three significant QTL were identified from the Yerong × Franklin population for the resistance to powdery mildew; the major one, detected on the short arm of chromosome 1H, explained 66% of phenotypic variation. The major QTL for scald resistance, identified from two different populations which shared a common parent, Franklin, were mapped in the similar position on 3H. However, the Franklin allele provided resistance to one population but susceptibility to the other population. The Yerong allele on 3H showed much better resistance to scald than the Franklin allele, which has not been reported before. Using high-density maps for both populations, some markers which were very close to the resistance genes were identified. Transgression beyond the parents in disease resistances of the DH populations indicates that both small-effect QTLs and genetic background may also have significant contributions towards the resistance.     

AB-QTL analysis in spring barley: III. Identification of exotic alleles for the improvement of malting quality in spring barley (<Emphasis Type="Italic">H. vulgare</Emphasis> ssp. <Emphasis Type="Italic">spontaneum</Emphasis>)

Malting quality is genetically determined by the complex interaction of numerous traits which are expressed prior to and, in particular, during the malting process. Here, we applied the advanced backcross quantitative trait locus (AB-QTL) strategy (Tanksley and Nelson, Theor Appl Genet 92:191–203, 1996), to detect QTLs for malting quality traits and, in addition, to identify favourable exotic alleles for the improvement of malting quality. For this, the BC₂DH population S42 was generated from a cross between the spring barley cultivar Scarlett and the wild barley accession ISR42-8 (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum). A QTL analysis in S42 for seven malting parameters measured in two different environments yielded 48 QTLs. The exotic genotype improved the trait performance at 18 (37.5%) of 48 QTLs. These favourable exotic alleles were detected, in particular, on the chromosome arms 3HL, 4HS, 4HL and 6HL. The exotic allele on 4HL, for example, improved α-amylase activity by 16.3%, fermentability by 0.8% and reduced raw protein by 2.4%. On chromosome 6HL, the exotic allele increased α-amylase by 16.0%, fermentability by 1.3%, friability by 7.3% and reduced viscosity by 2.9%. Favourable transgressive segregation, i.e. S42 lines exhibiting significantly better performance than the recurrent parent Scarlett, was recorded for four traits. For α-amylase, fermentability, fine-grind extract and VZ45 20, 16, 2 and 26 S42 lines, respectively, surpassed the recurrent parent Scarlett. The present study hence demonstrates that wild barley does harbour valuable alleles, which can enrich the genetic basis of cultivated barley and improve malting quality traits.     

Identification of proteins associated with malting quality in a subset of wild barley introgression lines

Malted barley is an important ingredient used in the brewing and distilling industry worldwide. In this study, we used a proteomics approach to investigate the biochemical function of previously identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) on barley chromosomes 1H and 4H that influence malting quality. Using a subset of barley introgression lines containing wild barley (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) alleles at these QTLs, we validated that wild barley alleles at the chromosome 1H QTL reduced overall malting quality, whereas wild barley alleles at the chromosome 4H QTL improved the malting quality parameters α-amylase activity, VZ45, and Kolbach index compared to the control genotype Scarlett. 2DE was used to detect changes in protein expression during the first 72 h of micromalting associated with these QTLs. In total, 16 protein spots showed a significant change in expression between the introgression lines and Scarlett, of which 14 were successfully identified with MS. Notably, the wild barley alleles in the line containing the chromosome 4H QTL showed a sixfold increased expression of a limit dextrinase inhibitor. The possible role of the identified proteins in malting quality is discussed. The knowledge gained will assist ongoing research toward cloning the genes underlying these important QTL.     

Detection and verification of malting quality QTLs using wild barley introgression lines

A malting quality quantitative trait locus (QTL) study was conducted using a set of 39 wild barley introgression lines (hereafter abbreviated with S42ILs). Each S42IL harbors a single marker-defined chromosomal segment from the wild barley accession ‘ISR 42-8’ (Hordeum vulgare ssp. spontaneum) within the genetic background of the elite spring barley cultivar ‘Scarlett’ (Hordeum vulgare ssp. vulgare). The aim of the study was (1) to verify genetic effects previously identified in the advanced backcross population S42, (2) to detect new QTLs, and (3) to identify S42ILs exhibiting multiple QTL effects. For this, grain samples from field tests in three different environments were subjected to micro malting. Subsequently, a line × phenotype association study was performed with the S42ILs in order to localize putative QTL effects. A QTL was accepted if the trait value of a particular S42IL was significantly (P < 0.05) different from the recurrent parent as a control, either across all tested environments or in a particular environment. For eight malting quality traits, altogether 40 QTLs were localized, among which 35 QTLs (87.5%) were stable across all environments. Six QTLs (15.0%) revealed a trait improving wild barley effect. Out of 36 QTLs detected in a previous advanced backcross QTL study with the parent BC₂DH population S42, 18 QTLs (50.0%) could be verified with the S42IL set. For the quality parameters α-amylase activity and Hartong 45°C, all QTLs assessed in population S42 were verified by S42ILs. In addition, eight new QTL effects and 17 QTLs affecting two newly investigated traits were localized. Two QTL clusters harboring simultaneous effects on eight and six traits, respectively, were mapped to chromosomes 1H and 4H. In future, fine-mapping of these QTL regions will be conducted in order to shed further light on the genetic basis of the most interesting QTLs.     

Detection of seed dormancy QTL in multiple mapping populations derived from crosses involving novel barley germplasm

Seed dormancy is one of the most important traits in germination process to control malting and pre-harvest sprouting in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.). EST based linkage maps were constructed on seven recombinant inbred (RI) and one doubled haploid (DH) populations derived from crosses including eleven cultivated and one wild barley strains showing the wide range of seed dormancy levels. Seed dormancy of each RI and DH line was estimated from the germination percentage at 5 and 10 weeks post-harvest after-ripening periods in 2003 and 2005. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling seed dormancy were detected by the composite interval mapping procedure on the RI and DH populations. A total of 38 QTLs clustered around 11 regions were identified on the barley chromosomes except 2H among the eight populations. Several QTL regions detected in the present study were reported on similar positions in the previous QTL studies. The QTL on at the centromeric region of long arm of chromosome 5H was identified in all the RI and DH populations with the different degrees of dormancy depth and period. The responsible gene of the QTL might possess a large allelic variation among the cross combinations, or can be multiple genes located on the same region. The various loci and their different effects in dormancy found in the barley germplasm in the present study enable us to control the practical level of seed dormancy in barley breeding programs. Electronic supplementary material The online version of this article (doi:) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

QTL mapping reveals genetic architectures of malting quality between Australian and Canadian malting barley (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hordeum vulgare</Emphasis> L.)

Australia and Canada are major exporters of malting barley (Hordeum vulgare L.), with Baudin from Australia and AC Metcalfe from Canada being the benchmark varieties for premium malting quality in the past 10 years. We used the barley doubled haploid population derived from a cross of Baudin and AC Metcalfe to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for malting quality. The results revealed different genetic architectures controlling malting quality for the two cultivars. Sixteen QTLs were identified and located on chromosomes 1H, 2H, 5H and 7H. The Australian barley Baudin mainly contributed to the malting quality QTL traits of high diastatic power and high β-glucanase on chromosome 1H, while Canadian barley AC Metcalfe mainly contributed to the QTL traits of high hot water extract, high free amino nitrogen, high α-amylase and low malt yield in chromosome 5HL telomere region. This study demonstrated the potential to breed new barley varieties with superior malting quality by integrating genes from Australian and Canadian malting barley varieties. This paper also provides methods to anchor traditional molecular markers without sequence information, such as amplified fragment length polymorphism markers, into the physical map of barley cv. ‘Morex’.     

Chromosomal loci associated with endosperm hardness in a malting barley cross

A breeding objective for the malting barley industry is to produce lines with softer, plumper grain containing moderate protein content (9–12%) as they are more likely to imbibe water readily and contain more starch per grain, which in turn produces higher levels of malt extract. In a malting barley mapping population, ‘Arapiles’ × ‘Franklin’, the most significant and robust quantitative trait locus (QTL) for endosperm hardness was observed on the short arm of chromosome 1H, across three environments over two growing seasons. This accounted for 22.6% (Horsham 2000), 26.8% (Esperance 2001), and 12.0% (Tarranyurk 2001) of the genetic variance and significantly increased endosperm hardness by 2.06–3.03 SKCS hardness units. Interestingly, Arapiles and Franklin do not vary in Ha locus alleles. Therefore, this region, near the centromere on chromosome 1H, may be of great importance when aiming to manipulate endosperm hardness and malting quality. Interestingly, this region, close to the centromere on chromosome 1H, in our study, aligns with the region of the genome that includes the HvCslF9 and the HvGlb1 genes. Potentially, one or both of these genes could be considered to be candidate genes that influence endosperm hardness in the barley grain. Additional QTLs for endosperm hardness were detected on chromosomes 2H, 3H, 6H and 7H, confirming that the hardness trait in barley is complex and multigenic, similar to many malting quality traits of interest.     

Exploring the Use of Near Infrared (NIR) Reflectance Spectroscopy to Predict Starch Pasting Properties in Whole Grain Barley

This study aimed to evaluate the ability of using near infrared reflectance (NIR) spectroscopy to predict parameters generated by the rapid visco analyser (RVA) in whole grain barley samples to further study starch pasting characteristics in a breeding program. A total of 130 whole grain barley samples from the University of Adelaide germplasm collection, harvested over three seasons (2009, 2010 and 2011) were analysed using both NIR and RVA instruments and calibrations developed using partial least squares (PLS) regression. The coefficient of determination in cross validation (R ²) and the standard error in cross validation (SECV) were 0.88 [SECV?=?477.5 (RVU?=?rapid visco units)] for peak viscosity (PV), 0.82 (SECV?=?635.5 RVU) for trough (THR), 0.92 (SECV?=?190.4 RVU) for breakdown (BKD), 0.61 (SECV?=?151.1 RVU) for setback (SET), 0.84 (SECV?=?698.0 RVU) for final viscosity (FV), 0.70 (SECV?=?0.54 s) for time to peak (TTP) and 0.36 (SECV?=?2.2 min) for pasting temperature (PT). We have demonstrated that NIR spectroscopy shows promise as a rapid, non-destructive method to measure PV in whole grain barley. In this context, NIR spectroscopy has the potential to significantly reduce analytical time and cost for screening novel lines for starch properties for pasting properties.     

Comparative QTL analysis of early short-time drought tolerance in Polish fodder and malting spring barleys

Key message

An effective approach for the further evolution of QTL markers, may be to create mapping populations for locally adapted gene pools, and to phenotype the studied trait under local conditions.

Abstract

Mapping populations of Polish fodder and malting spring barleys (Hordeum vulgare L.) were used to analyze traits describing short-time drought response at the seedlings stage. High-throughput genotyping (Diversity Array Technology (DArT) markers) and phenotyping techniques were used. The results showed high genetic diversity of the studied populations which allowed the creation of high-density linkage maps. There was also high diversity in the physiological responses of the barleys. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis revealed 18 QTLs for nine physiological traits on all chromosomes except 1H in malting barley and 15 QTLs for five physiological traits on chromosomes 2H, 4H, 5H and 6H in fodder barley. Chromosomes 4H and 5H contained QTLs which explained most of the observed phenotypic variations in both populations. There was a major QTL for net photosynthetic rate in the malting barley located on chromosome 5H and two major QTLs for overall photochemical performance (PI) located on 5H and 7H. One major QTL related to photochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence was located on chromosome 4H in fodder barley. Three QTL regions were common to both mapping populations but the corresponding regions explained different drought-induced traits. One region was for QTLs related to PSII photosynthetic activity stress index in malting barley, and the corresponding region in fodder barley was related to the water content stress index. These results are in accordance with previous studies which showed that different traits were responsible for drought tolerance variations in fodder and malting barleys.     

籼型杂交稻淀粉RVA谱特征值的杂种优势分析

以6个籼型三系不育系和5个籼型恢复系按不完全双列杂交设计配制的30个杂交稻组合及其亲本为材料,对其籽粒淀粉RVA谱各特征值进行了测定和分析。结果表明：（1）亲本间和杂交稻组合间的淀粉RVA谱各特征值均存在极显著的差异,其中变异最大的是消减值,最小的是糊化开始温度。（2）杂交稻组合淀粉RVA谱各特征值的变异系数均小于杂交稻亲本的变异系数;峰值粘度、崩解值、最低粘度和最终粘度的平均值杂交稻组合大于亲本,其他性状的平均值杂交稻组合小于亲本。（3）峰值粘度存在极显著的正向超亲优势;崩解值、最低粘度、最终粘度和回复值存在极显著的正向中亲优势;消减值和峰值时间存在极显著的负向中亲优势和正向低亲优势;糊化开始温度存在极显著的负向低亲优势;最终粘度、回复值和糊化开始温度表现为极显著的负向竞争优势,其他性状表现为正向竞争优势。（4）峰值粘度、崩解值、消减值和回复值等4个性状,各杂交稻组合与其母本、中亲值呈现极显著正相关,峰值时间与中亲值呈显著正相关。而与其父本的相关均未达显著水平。     

Quantitative trait loci of barley malting quality trait components in the Stellar/01Ab8219 mapping population

Malting barley is of high economic and scientific importance. Determining barley grains that are suitable for malting involves measuring malting quality, which is an expensive and complex process. In order to decrease the cost of phenotyping and accelerate the process of developing superior malting barley cultivars, markers for marker-assisted breeding are needed. In this study, we identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for malting traits in a Stellar/01Ab8219 F6:8 recombinant inbred line population grown at Aberdeen and Tetonia, Idaho, USA in 2009 and 2010. We identified QTLs associated with malt extract (ME), wort protein, soluble/total protein (S/T), diastatic power (DP), alpha-amylase, beta-glucan (BG) and free amino nitrogen (FAN) at a logarithm of odds score ≥2.5 using a high-density genetic map produced by merging Diversity Arrays Technology markers with the current single nucleotide polymorphism map. Novel QTLs were identified for DP and FAN on chromosome 5H, S/T on 6H, and BG and ME on 7H. Dissection of the genetic regions associated with malting traits suggests the involvement of multiple molecular pathways. The resulting molecular markers may prove useful for barley improvement.     

不同高粱品系的淀粉糊化特征

利用差示扫描量热分析仪(DSC)和淀粉快速黏度分析仪(RVA)测定了14个高粱(Sorghum bicolor)品系的直链淀粉含量和淀粉糊化特性参数, 并分析了各特征参数的变化规律及其相互关系。研究结果表明, 高粱品系间直链淀粉含量存在较大差异, 变幅为0.29%–29.45%; DSC分析所得糊化特性也表现出一定的差异, 直链淀粉含量低的高粱品系的起始温度(T_o)、峰值温度(T_p)、终止温度(T_c)和热焓变化(ΔH)都较高; 而直链淀粉含量高的高粱品系的T_o、T_p、T_c和ΔH都相对较低。不同品系的RVA谱差异主要表现在各个黏滞性特征值上, 直链淀粉含量低的高粱品系的RVA谱具有较高的峰值黏度和最高的消减值; 而直链淀粉含量高的高粱品系具有较低的峰值黏度。相关分析表明, 直链淀粉含量和膨胀势与其它特征值间的相关性均达显著水平; 峰值黏度(PV)与最终黏度(FV)、回冷恢复值、糊化时间和糊化温度间呈极显著负相关, 与崩解值和消减值则呈极显著正相关。将直链淀粉含量的选择与RVA谱测定相结合, 有助于提高选择的准确率,进而为高粱品质改良和育种提供理论依据。     

QTL analysis of a cross between European and North American malting barleys reveals a putative candidate gene for β-glucan content on chromosome 1H

To determine the genetic factors influencing grain β-glucan content, that were effective in a population of two-row barley grown in very contrasting environments, 102 doubled haploid lines from the cross Beka × Logan were sown at two sites, Lleida (N.E. Spain) and Dundee (E. Scotland) in 2002. Following harvest, grain samples were assessed for total β-glucan content. Beka had lower β-glucan content than Logan at both sites but, while there was transgressive segregation among the DH lines, this was primarily amongst lines with higher β-glucan than Logan. In addition to differences between DH lines, there were differences between the sites and there was also genotype × site interaction. Three QTLs for β-glucan content were detected at both sites, but their contribution to β-glucan content was, in all cases, higher at Lleida compared to Dundee. One QTL was located in the distal end of the long arm of chromosome 1H, in the same region as a gene for UDP-glucose-4-epimerase, an enzyme known to be involved in the synthesis of cell wall polysaccharides, while another was located in the same area of chromosome 5H as a genetic factor shown previously, in the same cross, to influence grain protein content. The third was in the centromeric region of chromosome 7H, close to the gene for naked (hulless) grain. These findings will be important in designing crosses and devising selection strategies in breeding of both low β-glucan, malting barley and high β-glucan, hulless barley for human food use.     

不同高梁品系的淀粉糊化特征

利用差示扫描量热分析仪（DSC）和淀粉快速黏度分析仪（RVA）测定了14个高粱（Sorghumbicolor）品系的直链淀粉含量和淀粉糊化特性参数,并分析了各特征参数的变化规律及其相互关系。研究结果表明,高粱品系间直链淀粉含量存在较大差异,变幅为0．29％-29．45％;DSC分析所得糊化特性也表现出一定的差异,直链淀粉含量低的高粱品系的起始温度（To）、峰值温度（Tp）、终止温度（Tc）和热焓变化（△H）都较高：而直链淀粉含量高的高粱品系的To、Tp、Tc和△H都相对较低。不同品系的RVA谱差异主要表现在各个黏滞性特征值上,直链淀粉含量低的高粱品系的RVA谱具有较高的峰值黏度和最高的消减值：而直链淀粉含量高的高粱品系具有较低的峰值黏度。相关分析表明,直链淀粉含量和膨胀势与其它特征值间的相关性均达显著水平：峰值黏度（PV）与最终黏度（FV）、回冷恢复值、糊化时间和糊化温度间呈极显著负相关,与崩解值和消减值则呈极显著正相关。将直链淀粉含量的选择与RVA谱测定相结合,有助于提高选择的准确率,进而为高粱品质改良和育种提供理论依据。     

Genetic analysis of grain and malt quality in an elite barley population

Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with grain weight, grain width, kernel hardness and malting quality were mapped in a doubled haploid population derived from two elite Australian malting barley varieties, Navigator and Admiral. A total of 30 QTLs for grain weight, grain width and kernel hardness were identified in three environments, and 63 QTLs were identified for ten malting quality traits in two environments. Three malting quality traits, namely β-amylase, diastatic power and apparent attenuation limit, were mainly controlled by a QTL linked to the Bmy1 gene at the distal end of chromosome 4H encoding a β-amylase enzyme. Six other malting quality traits, namely α-amylase, soluble protein, Kolbach index, free amino-acid nitrogen, wort β-glucan and viscosity, had coincident QTL clustered on chromosomes 1HS, 4HS, 7HS and 7HL, which demonstrated the interdependence of these traits. There was a strong association between these malt quality QTL clusters on chromosomes 1HS and 7HL and the major QTL for kernel hardness, suggesting that the use of this trait to enable early selection for malting quality in breeding programs would be feasible. In contrast, the majority of QTLs for hot-water extract were not coincident with those identified for other malt quality traits, which suggested differences in the mechanism controlling this trait. Novel QTLs have been identified for kernel hardness on chromosomes 2HL and 7HL, hot-water extract on 7HL and wort β-glucan on 6HL, and the resulting markers may be useful for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs.     

Identification and validation of QTLs for green plant percentage in barley (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Hordeum vulgare</Emphasis> L.) anther culture

In cereals, albinism is a major obstacle to produce doubled haploids (DH) for breeding programs. In order to identify QTLs for green plant percentage in barley anther culture, a specific population was developed. This population, consisting of 100 DH lines, was generated by crossing the model cultivar for anther culture “Igri” with an albino-producing DH line (DH46) selected from Igri × Dobla, in search of a maximum segregation for the trait and minimum for the other anther culture variables. A combination of bulked segregant analysis and AFLP methodology was used to identify markers linked to the trait. A linkage map was constructed using these AFLPs, together with RAPD, STS and SSR markers. This study identified a new QTL for green plant percentage on chromosome 3H and confirmed the previously reported one on chromosome 5H. Up to 65.2% of the phenotypic variance for this trait was explained by the additive effects of these two QTLs. Thirty elite cultivars of barley from different origin, row type, growth habit and end use, were selected to validate these QTLs. Since two of the markers linked to the QTLs were AFLPs, we successfully converted them into simple PCR-based SCAR markers. Only the SSR HVM60, on chromosome 3H, was significantly associated with the trait, explaining near 20% of the phenotypic variance. Among the allelic variants identified for this marker, HVM60-120bp was associated with the highest values of green plant percentage.     

QTL analysis of malting quality in barley based on the doubled-haploid progeny of two elite North American varieties representing different germplasm groups

Characterization of the determinants of economically important phenotypes showing complex inheritance should lead to the more effective use of genetic resources. This study was conducted to determine the number, genome location and effects of QTLs determining malting quality in the two North American barley quality standards. Using a doubled-haploid population of 140 lines from the cross of Harrington×Morex, malting quality phenotype data sets from eight environments, and a 107-marker linkage map, QTL analyses were performed using simple interval mapping and simplified composite interval mapping procedures. Seventeen QTLs were associated with seven grain and malting quality traits (percentage of plump kernels, test weight, grain protein percentage, soluble/total protein ratio, α-amylase activity, diastatic power and malt-extract percentage). QTLs for multiple traits were coincident. The loci controlling inflorescence type [vrs1 on chromosome 2(2H) and int-c on chromosome 4(4H)] were coincident with QTLs affecting all traits except malt-extract percentage. The largest effect QTLs, for the percentage of plump kernels, test weight protein percentage, S/T ratio and diastatic power, were coincident with the vrs1 locus. QTL analyses were conducted separately for each sub-population (six-rowed and two-rowed). Eleven new QTLs were detected in the subpopulations. There were significant interactions between the vrs1 and int-c loci for grain-protein percentage and S/T protein ratio. Results suggest that this mating of two different germplasm groups caused a disruption of the balance of traits. Information on the number, position and effects of QTLs determining components of malting quality may be useful for maintaining specific allele configurations that determine target quality profiles. Received: 28 May 1999 / Accepted: 9 November 1999     

Single nucleotide polymorphism mapping and alignment of recombinant chromosome substitution lines in barley

Single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping is useful for assessing genetic variation in germplasm collections, genetic map development and detection of alien chromosome substitutions. In this study, a diversity analysis using 1,301 SNPs on a set of 37 barley accessions was conducted. This analysis showed a high polymorphism rate between the malting barley cultivar 'Haruna Nijo' and the food barley cultivar 'Akashinriki'. Haruna Nijo and Akashinriki are donors of the barley expressed sequence tag (EST) collections. A doubled haploid (DH) population derived from the cross between Haruna Nijo and Akashinriki was genotyped with 1,448 SNPs. Of these 1,448 SNPs, 734 were polymorphic and distributed on barley linkage groups (chromosomes) as follows: 1H (86), 2H (125), 3H (120), 4H (100), 5H (127), 6H (88) and 7H (88). By using cMAP, we integrated the SNP markers across high-density maps. The SNPs were also used to genotype 98 BC(3)F(4) recombinant chromosome substitution lines (RCSLs) developed from the same cross (Haruna Nijo/Akashinriki). These data were used to create graphical genotypes for each line and thus estimate the location, extent and total number of introgressions from Akashinriki in the Haruna Nijo background. The 35 selected RCSLs sample most of the Akashinriki food barley genome, with only a few missing segments. These resources bring new alleles into the malting barley gene pool from food barley.     

A polymorphic microsatellite in the limit dextrinase gene of barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

A DNA fragment containing the exons 16, 17 and intron 16 of the limit dextrinase gene was cloned using a 654 bp cDNA as probe. Intron 16 contained a simple sequence repeat (microsatellite). PCR primers were designed to amplify that microsatellite. Using these primers, the limit dextrinase gene was mapped to the short arm of chromosome 1 (7H) using 150 DH lines from the Steptoe × Morex mapping population. This gene co-segregated with the RFLP marker ABC154A. QTLs for malt extract, -amylase activity, diastatic power and fine-coarse difference previously mapped in the North American Barley Genome Mapping Project have been located in this chromosome region. Five limit dextrinase alleles were detected in 31 barley cultivars with a PIC of 0.75. Ten different alleles/genes were identified in 23 uncultivated Hordeum species or subspecies using these microsatellite primers. The primers also amplified one fragment from wheat and two from oat. This microsatellite should be useful for marker-assisted selection for malting quality.     

The effect of semi-dwarf genes on root system size in field-grown barley

Root system size (RSS) was measured in 12 diverse barley genotypes and 157 double-haploid lines (DHs), using electric capacitance. The parents of the DHs, Derkado and B83-12/21/5, carry different semi-dwarfing genes, sdw1 and ari-e.GP, respectively. Estimates of RSS were taken in the field thrice during plant development: stem elongation (RSS1), heading (RSS2) and grain filling (RSS3). The 12 barley genotypes were assessed over 3 years and at two or three locations each year; the DH mapping population was assessed at two locations in 2002. Among the 12 barley genotypes, those with the semi-dwarf genes had greater RSS values in all 3 years (28.9, 24.6 and 15.0% in years 1, 2 and 3, respectively) compared to non-semi-dwarf controls. The DH population showed transgressive segregation on both sides of the parent means, indicating polygenic control of RSS. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for RSS were found on five of the seven chromosomes: 1H, 3H, 4H, 5H and 7H and these were compared with previously mapped agronomic traits. The TotalRSS QTL on 3H was associated with sdw1 and QTLs for height, plant yield and plant weight. The RSS3 QTL on 5H was associated with ari-e.GP and QTLs for height, plant yield, plant weight, harvest index and tiller number. The RSS3 QTL on 7H was also associated with a TotalRSS QTL and QTLs for plant weight and harvest index. Other RSS QTLs were not associated with any other trait studied. RSS is considered to be a polygenic trait linked to important traits, in particular to yield. The study highlights the effects of semi-dwarfing genes and discusses the potential for breeding for root traits.