Identification of quantitative trait loci for yield and yield components in an advanced backcross population derived from the<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Oryza sativa</Emphasis> variety IR64 and the wild relative<Emphasis Type="Italic"> O. rufipogon</Emphasis>

A BC₂F₂ population developed from an interspecific cross between Oryza sativa (cv IR64) and O. rufipogon (IRGC 105491) was used in an advanced backcross QTL analysis to identify and introduce agronomically useful genes from this wild relative into the cultivated gene pool. The objectives of this study were: (1) to identify putative yield and yield component QTLs that can be useful to improve the elite cultivar IR64; (2) to compare the QTLs within this study with previously reported QTLs in rice as the basis for identifying QTLs that are stable across different environments and genetic backgrounds; and (3) to compare the identified QTLs with previously reported QTLs from maize to examine the degree of QTL conservation across the grass family. Two hundred eighty-five families were evaluated in two field environments in Indonesia, with two replications each, for 12 agronomic traits. A total of 165 markers consisting of 131 SSRs and 34 RFLPs were used to construct the genetic linkage map. By employing interval mapping and composite interval mapping, 42 QTLs were identified. Despite its inferior performance, 33% of the QTL alleles originating from O. rufipogon had a beneficial effect for yield and yield components in the IR64 background. Twenty-two QTLs (53.4%) were located in similar regions as previously reported rice QTLs, suggesting the existence of stable QTLs across genetic backgrounds and environments. Twenty QTLs (47.6%) were exclusively detected in this study, uncovering potentially novel alleles from the wild, some of which might improve the performance of the tropical indica variety IR64. Additionally, several QTLs for plant height, grain weight, and flowering time detected in this study corresponded to homeologous regions in maize containing previously detected maize QTLs for these traits.     

Identification of quantitative trait loci for grain quality in an advanced backcross population derived from the<Emphasis Type="Italic"> Oryza sativa</Emphasis> variety IR64 and the wild relative<Emphasis Type="Italic"> O. rufipogon</Emphasis>

The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with grain quality in rice. Two hundred eighty-five BC₂F₂ families developed from an interspecific cross between cv IR64 and Oryza rufipogon (IRGC 105491) were evaluated for 14 seed quality traits. A total of 165 markers consisting of 131 single sequence repeats and 34 restriction fragment length polymorphism markers were used to create a genetic linkage map spanning the 12 rice chromosomes. Twenty-three independent QTLs were identified using single point analysis, interval mapping, and composite interval mapping. These loci consisted of one QTL for filled rough/total rough rice ratio, two for grain density, one for percentage of de-husked rice grains, two for percentage of green rice grains, three for percentage of damaged-yellow rice grains, two for percentage of red rice grains, one for milled rice recovery, three for head rice recovery, four for broken rice grains, two for crushed rice grains, one for amylose content, and one for gel consistency. For most of the QTLs identified in this study, the O. rufipogon-derived allele contributed an undesirable effect. For amylose content and gel consistency, the O. rufipogon allele may be useful in an IR64 background, depending on the cultural preferences of the consumer. Careful selection against the regions associated with negative effects will be required to avoid unwanted grain quality characteristics during the development of improved varieties for yield and yield components using introgressions from O. rufipogon.Communicated by D. Mackill     

N- and P-mediated seminal root elongation response in rice seedlings

Aims

In rice, seminal root elongation plays an important role in acquisition of nutrients such as N and P, but the extent to which different N forms and P concentrations affect root growth is poorly understood. This study aimed to examine N- and P-mediated seminal root elongation response and to identify putative QTLs associated with seminal root elongation.

Methods

Seminal root elongation was evaluated in 15 diverse wild and cultivated accessions of rice, along with 48 chromosome segment substitution lines (CSSLs) derived from a cross between the rice variety ‘Curinga’ and Oryza rufipogon (IRGC 105491). Root elongation in response to different forms of N (NH₄ ⁺, NO₃ ^? and NH₄NO₃) and concentrations of P was evaluated under hydroponic conditions, and associated putative QTL regions were identified.

Results

The CSSL parents had contrasting root responses to N and P. Root elongation in O. rufipogon was insensitive to N source and concentration, whereas Curinga was responsive. In contrast to N, seminal root elongation and P concentration was positively correlated. Three putative QTLs for seminal root elongation in response to N were detected on chromosome 1, and one QTL on chromosome 3 was associated with low P concentration.

Conclusions

Genetic variation in seminal root elongation and plasticity of nutrient response may be appropriate targets for marker-assisted selection to improve rice nutrient acquisition efficiency.     

Identification of heterotic loci associated with yield-related traits in Chinese common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.)

Many rice breeding programs have currently reached yield plateaus as a result of limited genetic variability in parental strains. Dongxiang common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) is the progenitor of cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) and serves as an important gene pool for the genetic improvement of rice cultivars. In this study, heterotic loci (HLs) associated with six yield-related traits were identified in wild and cultivated rice and investigated using a set of 265 introgression lines (ILs) of O. rufipogon Griff. in the background of the Indica high-yielding cultivar Guichao 2 (O. sativa L.). Forty-two HLs were detected by a single point analysis of mid-parent heterosis values from test cross F₁ offspring, and 30 (71.5%) of these HLs showed significantly positive effects, consistent with the superiority shown by the F₁ test cross population in the six yield-related traits under study. Genetic mapping of hsp11, a locus responsible for the number of spikelets per panicle, confirmed the utility of these HLs. The results indicate that favorable HLs capable of improving agronomic traits are available. The identification of HLs between wild rice and cultivated rice could lead to a new strategy for the application of heterosis in rice breeding.     

Identification of QTLs associated with tissue culture response through sequencing-based genotyping of RILs derived from 93-11 × Nipponbare in rice (Oryza sativa)

Key message

The performance of callus induction and callus differentiation was evaluated by 9 indices for 140 RILs; 2 major QTLs associated with plant regeneration were identified.

Abstract

In order to investigate the genetic mechanisms of tissue culture response, 140 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from 93-11 (Oryza sativa ssp. indica) × Nipponbare (Oryza sativa ssp. japonica) and a high quality genetic map based on the SNPs generated from deep sequencing of the RIL genomes, were used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with in vitro tissue culture response (TCR) from mature seed in rice. The performance of callus induction was evaluated by indices of induced-callus color (ICC), induced-callus size (ICS), induced-callus friability (ICF) and callus induction rate (CIR), respectively, and the performance of callus differentiation was evaluated by indices of callus proliferation ability (CPA), callus browning tendency (CBT), callus greening ability (CGA), the average number of regenerated shoots per callus (NRS) and regeneration rate (%, RR), respectively. A total of 25 QTLs, 2 each for ICC, ICS, ICF, CIR and CBA, 3 for CPA, 4 each for CGA, NRS and RR, respectively, were detected and located on 8 rice chromosomes. Significant correlations were observed among the traits of CGA, NRS and RR, and QTLs identified for these three indices were co-located on chromosomes 3 and 7, and the additive effects came from both Nipponbare and 93-11, respectively. The results obtained from this study provide guidance for further fine mapping and gene cloning of the major QTL of TCR and the knowledge of the genes underlying the traits investigated would be very helpful for revealing the molecular bases of tissue culture response.     

Identification of genetic factors controlling domestication-related traits of rice using an F2 population of a cross between Oryza sativa and O. rufipogon

 Domesticated rice differs from the wild progenitor in large arrays of morphological and physiological traits. The present study was conducted to identify the genetic factors controlling the differences between cultivated rice and its wild progenitor, with the intention to assess the genetic basis of the changes associated with the processes of rice domestication. A total of 19 traits, including seven qualitative and 12 quantitative traits, that are related to domestication were scored in an F₂ population from a cross between a variety of the Asian cultivated rice (Oryza sativa) and an accession of the common wild rice (O. rufipogon). Loci controlling the inheritance of these traits were determined by making use of a molecular linkage map consisting of 348 molecular-marker loci (313 RFLPs, 12 SSRs and 23 AFLPs) based on this F₂ population. All seven qualitative traits were each controlled by a single Mendelian locus. Analysis of the 12 quantitative traits resolved a total of 44 putative QTLs with an average of 3.7 QTLs per trait. The amount of variation explained by individual QTLs ranged from a low of 6.9% to a high of 59.8%, and many of the QTLs accounted for more than 20% of the variation. Thus, genes of both major and minor effect were involved in the differences between wild and cultivated rice. The results also showed that most of the genetic factors (qualitative or QTLs) controlling the domestication-related traits were concentrated in a few chromosomal blocks. Such a clustered distribution of the genes may provide explanations for the genetic basis of the “domestication syndrome” observed in evolutionary studies and also for the “linkage drag” that occurs in many breeding programs. The information on the genetic basis of some desirable traits possessed by the wild parent may also be useful for facilitating the utilization of these traits in rice-breeding programs. Received: 1 June 1998 / Accepted: 28 July 1998     

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.     

Quantitative trait loci for yield and yield components in an Oryza sativa×Oryza rufipogon BC2F2 population evaluated in an upland environment

An advanced backcross breeding strategy was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with eight agronomic traits in a BC₂F₂ population derived from an interspecific cross between Caiapo, an upland Oryza sativa subsp. japonica rice variety from Brazil, and an accession of Oryza rufipogon from Malaysia. Caiapo is one of the most-widely grown dryland cultivars in Latin America and may be planted as a monoculture or in a multicropping system with pastures. The objectives of this study were: (1) to determine whether trait-enhancing QTLs from O. rufipogon would be detected in 274 BC₂F₂ families grown under the drought-prone, acid soil conditions to which Caiapo was adapted, (2) to compare the performance with and without pasture competition, and (3) to compare putative QTL-containing regions identified in this study with those previously reported for populations adapted to irrigated, low-land conditions. Based on analyses of 125 SSLP and RFLP markers distributed throughout the genome and using single-point, interval, and composite interval mapping, two putative O. rufipogon derived QTLs were detected for yield, 13 for yield components, four for maturity and six for plant height.We conclude that advanced backcross QTL analysis offers a useful germplasm enhancement strategy for the genetic improvement of cultivars adapted to stress-prone environments. Although the phenotypic performance of the wild germplasm would not suggest its value as a breeding parent, it is noteworthy that 56% of the trait-enhancing QTLs identified in this study were derived from O. rufipogon. This figure is similar to the 51% of favorable QTLs derived from the same parent in crosses with a high-yielding hybrid rice cultivar evaluated under irrigated conditions in a previous study. In conclusion, parallel studies in rice using AB-QTL analysis provide increasing evidence that certain regions of the rice genome are likely to harbor genes of interest for plant improvement in multiple environments. Received: 3 September 1999 / Accepted: 16 May 2000     

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.     

Identification of QTLs for some agronomic traits in rice using an introgression line from Oryza minuta

Wild progenitor species provide potential gene sources for complex traits such as yield and multiple resistances to biotic and abiotic stresses, and thus are expected to contribute to sustainable food supplies. An introgression line 'IR71033-121-15' was derived from a wild species Oryza minuta (2n = 48, BBCC, Acc No. 101141) at IRRI. Introgression analysis using 530 SSR and STS markers revealed that at least 14 chromosomal segments distributed over 12 chromosomes had been introgressed from O. minuta. An F2:3 population from the cross between IR71033 and Junambyeo (a Korean japonica cultivar) consisting of 146 lines was used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis of 16 agronomic traits. A total of 36 single-locus QTLs (S-QTLs) and 45 digenic epistasis (E-QTLs) were identified. In spite of it's inferiority of O. minuta for most of the traits studied, its alleles contributed positively to 57% of the QTLs. The other QTLs originated from either parent, IR71033 or Junambyeo. QTLs for phenotypically correlated traits were mostly detected on introgressed segments. Fourteen QTLs corresponded to QTLs reported earlier, indicating that these QTLs are stable across genetic backgrounds. Twenty-two QTLs controlling yield and its components had not been detected in previous QTL studies. Of these, thirteen consisted of potentially novel alleles from O. minuta. QTLs from O. minuta introgression could be new sources of natural variation for the genetic improvement of rice.     

Identification and Validation of Quantitative Trait Loci for Agronomic Traits in Advanced Backcross Breeding Lines Derived from Oryza rufipogon × Oryza sativa Cultivar MR219

A backcross breeding strategy was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with 14 traits in a BC₂F₂ population derived from a cross between MR219, an indica rice cultivar and an accession of Oryza rufipogon (IRGC 105491). A total of 261 lines were genotyped with 96 microsatellite markers and evaluated for plant morphology, yield components and growth period. The genetic linkage map generated for this population with an average interval size of 16.2?cM, spanning 1,553.4?cM (Kosambi) of the rice genome. Thirty-eight QTLs were identified with composite interval mapping (CIM), whereas simple interval mapping (SIM) resulted in 47 QTLs (LOD >3.0). The O. rufipogon allele was favourable for 59% of QTLs detected through CIM. Of 261 BC₂F₂ families, 26 advanced backcross breeding lines (BC₂F₅) were used for QTL validation. These lines were selected on the basis of the yield traits potentiality in BC₂F₃ and BC₂F₄ generations. The field trial was conducted at three different locations in Malaysia using randomized complete block design with three replications. Trait based marker analysis was done for QTL determination. Twenty-five QTLs were detected in BC₂F₅ generation whereas 29 QTLs were detected in BC₂F₂ generation of the same population. Two QTLs (qPL-1 and qSPL-7) were not considered for validation due to their low R ² values and two QTLs (qPSS-3-2 and qGW-3-2) were not detected in the BC₂F₅ population. Fifteen QTLs showed the beneficial effect to enhance the trait value of the breeding lines. QTL validation aided to select the promising lines for further utilization.     

Genetic dissection of grain traits in Yamadanishiki,an excellent sake-brewing rice cultivar

Key message

The grain traits of Yamadanishiki, an excellent sake-brewing rice cultivar in Japan, are governed by multiple QTLs, namely, a total of 42 QTLs including six major QTLs.

Abstract

Japanese rice wine (sake) is produced using brewing rice (Oryza sativa L.) that carries traits desirable for sake-brewing, such as a larger grain size and higher white-core expression rate (WCE) compared to cooking rice cultivars. However, the genetic basis for these traits in brewing rice cultivars is still unclear. We performed analyses of quantitative trait locus (QTL) of grain and days to heading over 3 years on populations derived from crosses between Koshihikari, a cooking rice, and Yamadanishiki, an excellent sake-brewing rice. A total of 42 QTLs were detected for the grain traits, and the Yamadanishiki alleles at 16 QTLs contributed to larger grain size. Two major QTLs essential for regulating both 100-grain weight (GWt) and grain width (GWh) were harbored in the same regions on chromosomes 5 and 10. An interaction was noted between the environment and the QTL associated with WCE on chromosome 6, which was detected in two of 3 years. In addition, two QTLs for WCE on chromosomes 3 and 10 overlapped with the QTLs for GWt and GWh, suggesting that QTLs associated with grain size also play an important role in the formation of white-core. Despite differences in the rate of grain growth in both Koshihikari and Yamadanishiki across 2 years, the WCE in Yamadanishiki remained consistent, thus demonstrating that the formation of white-core does not depend on grain filling speed. These data can be informative for programs involved in breeding better cooking and brewing rice cultivars.

     

Mapping QTL for Biomass Yield and Its Components in Rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Addicive effects, additive by additive epistatic effects, and their environmental interactions of QTLs are important genetic components of quantitative traits. Genetic architecture underlying rice biomass yield and its two component traits (straw yield and grain yield) were analyzed for a population of 125 DH lines from an inter-subspecific cross of IR64/Azucena. The mixed-model based composite interval mapping approach (MCIM) was used to detect QTLs, There were 12 QTLs detected with additive main effects, 27 QTLs involved in digenic interaction with aa and/or aae effects, and 18 QTLs affected by environments with ae and/or aae effects. It was revealed that epistatic effects and QE interaction effects existed on biomass yield and its component traits in rice. In addition, the genetic basis of relationships among these traits were investigated. Four QTLs and one pair of epistatic QTLs were detected to be responsible for the positive correlation between biomass yield and straw yield. Three QTLs might be responsible for the negative correlation between straw yield and grain yield. This result could partially explain the genetic basis of correlation among the three traits, and provide useful information for genetic improvement of these traits by marker-assisted selection.     

Application of T-DNA activation tagging to identify glutamate receptor-like genes that enhance drought tolerance in plants

Key message

A high-quality rice activation tagging population has been developed and screened for drought-tolerant lines using various water stress assays. One drought-tolerant line activated two rice glutamate receptor-like genes. Transgenic overexpression of the rice glutamate receptor-like genes conferred drought tolerance to rice and Arabidopsis.

Abstract

Rice (Oryza sativa) is a multi-billion dollar crop grown in more than one hundred countries, as well as a useful functional genetic tool for trait discovery. We have developed a population of more than 200,000 activation-tagged rice lines for use in forward genetic screens to identify genes that improve drought tolerance and other traits that improve yield and agronomic productivity. The population has an expected coverage of more than 90 % of rice genes. About 80 % of the lines have a single T-DNA insertion locus and this molecular feature simplifies gene identification. One of the lines identified in our screens, AH01486, exhibits improved drought tolerance. The AH01486 T-DNA locus is located in a region with two glutamate receptor-like genes. Constitutive overexpression of either glutamate receptor-like gene significantly enhances the drought tolerance of rice and Arabidopsis, thus revealing a novel function of this important gene family in plant biology.     

Construction of introgression lines carrying wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) segments in cultivated rice (Oryza sativa L.) background and characterization of introgressed segments associated with yield-related traits

Introgression lines (ILs) are useful tools for precise mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and the evaluation of gene action or interaction in theoretical studies. A set of 159 ILs carrying variant introgressed segments from Chinese common wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.), collected from Dongxiang county, Jiangxi Province, in the background of Indica cultivar (Oryza sativa L.), Guichao 2, was developed using 126 polymorphic simple sequence repeats (SSR) loci. The 159 ILs represented 67.5% of the genome of O. rufipogon. All the ILs have the proportions of the recurrent parent ranging from 92.4 to 99.9%, with an average of 97.4%. The average proportion of the donor genome for the BC₄F₄ population was about 2.2%. The mean numbers of homozygous and heterozygous donor segments were 2 (ranging 0–8) and 1 (ranging 0–7), respectively, and the majority of these segments had sizes less than 10 cM. QTL analysis was conducted based on evaluation of yield-related traits of the 159 ILs at two sites, in Beijing and Hainan. For 6 out of 17 QTLs identified at two sites corresponding to three traits (panicles per plant, grains per panicle and filled grains per plant, respectively), the QTLs derived from O. rufipogon were usually associated with an improvement of the target trait, although the overall phenotypic characters of O. rufipogon were inferior to that of the recurrent parent. Of the 17 QTLs, 5 specific QTLs strongly associated with more than one trait were observed. Further analysis of the high-yielding and low-yielding ILs revealed that the high-yielding ILs contained relatively less introgressed segments than the low-yielding ILs, and that the yield increase or decrease was mainly due to the number of grain. On the other hand, low-yielding ILs contained more negative QTLs or disharmonious interactions between QTLs which masked trait-enchancing QTLs. These ILs will be useful in identifying the traits of yield, tolerance to low temperature and drought stress, and detecting favorable genes of common wild rice.     

The genetics of domestication of rice bean, Vigna umbellata

Background and Aims

The Asian genus Vigna, to which four cultivated species (rice bean, azuki bean, mung bean and black gram) belong, is suitable for comparative genomics. The aims were to construct a genetic linkage map of rice bean, to identify the genomic regions associated with domestication in rice bean, and to compare these regions with those in azuki bean.

Methods

A genetic linkage map was constructed by using simple sequence repeat and amplified fragment length polymorphism markers in the BC₁F₁ population derived from a cross between cultivated and wild rice bean. Using this map, 31 domestication-related traits were dissected into quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The genetic linkage map and QTLs of rice bean were compared with those of azuki bean.

Key Results

A total of 326 markers converged into 11 linkage groups (LGs), corresponding to the haploid number of rice bean chromosomes. The domestication-related traits in rice bean associated with a few major QTLs distributed as clusters on LGs 2, 4 and 7. A high level of co-linearity in marker order between the rice bean and azuki bean linkage maps was observed. Major QTLs in rice bean were found on LG4, whereas major QTLs in azuki bean were found on LG9.

Conclusions

This is the first report of a genetic linkage map and QTLs for domestication-related traits in rice bean. The inheritance of domestication-related traits was so simple that a few major QTLs explained the phenotypic variation between cultivated and wild rice bean. The high level of genomic synteny between rice bean and azuki bean facilitates QTL comparison between species. These results provide a genetic foundation for improvement of rice bean; interchange of major QTLs between rice bean and azuki bean might be useful for broadening the genetic variation of both species.     

Mapping and validation of quantitative trait loci associated with concentrations of 16 elements in unmilled rice grain

Key Message

QTLs controlling the concentrations elements in rice grain were identified in two mapping populations. The QTLs were clustered such that most genomic regions were associated with more than one element.

Abstract

In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) affecting the concentrations of 16 elements in whole, unmilled rice (Oryza sativa L.) grain were identified. Two rice mapping populations, the ‘Lemont’ × ‘TeQing’ recombinant inbred lines (LT-RILs), and the TeQing-into-Lemont backcross introgression lines (TILs) were used. To increase opportunity to detect and characterize QTLs, the TILs were grown under two contrasting field conditions, flooded and irrigated-but-unflooded. Correlations between the individual elements and between each element with grain shape, plant height, and time of heading were also studied. Transgressive segregation was observed among the LT-RILs for all elements. The 134 QTLs identified as associated with the grain concentrations of individual elements were found clustered into 39 genomic regions, 34 of which were found associated with grain element concentration in more than one population and/or flooding treatment. More QTLs were found significant among flooded TILs (92) than among unflooded TILs (47) or among flooded LT-RILs (40). Twenty-seven of the 40 QTLs identified among the LT-RILs were associated with the same element among the TILs. At least one QTL per element was validated in two or more population/environments. Nearly all of the grain element loci were linked to QTLs affecting additional elements, supporting the concept of element networks within plants. Several of the grain element QTLs co-located with QTLs for grain shape, plant height, and days to heading; but did not always differ for grain elemental concentration as predicted by those traits alone. A number of interesting patterns were found, including a strong Mg–P–K complex.     

Mapping QTLs for yield and nitrogen-related traits in wheat: influence of nitrogen and phosphorus fertilization on QTL expression

Key message

The present study identified some new important genomic regions and demonstrated the availability of conditional analysis in dissecting QTLs induced by environmental factors.

Abstract

The high input and low use efficiency of nutrient fertilizers require knowledge of the genetic control of crop reaction to nutrient supplements. In this study, 14 morphological and 8 physiological traits of a set of 182 wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) recombinant inbred lines (Xiaoyan 54 × Jing 411) were investigated in six environments to map quantitative trait loci (QTLs). The influence of nitrogen (N) and phosphorus (P) fertilization on QTL expression was studied by unconditional and conditional analysis. A total of 117 and 30 QTLs were detected by unconditional and conditional analysis, respectively, among which 21 were common for both methods. Thirty-four QTL clusters were identified. Eighteen conserved QTLs (15.4 % of the 117 QTLs) between years, but within nutritional treatment were found. The three major QTLs on chromosomes 2D, 4B and 6A were coincident with Rht8, Rht-B1b and TaGW2, respectively. The other two important intervals on chromosomes 4B and 7A for yield component traits were newly detected QTLs that warrant further study. By conditional analysis, spikelet number per spike was found to be induced by P fertilization mostly, whereas N fertilization had more effects on the expression of the QTLs for nitrogen concentration and utilization efficiency traits. QTLs that respond to N and P interactions were also detected. The results are helpful for understanding the genetic basis of N utilization efficiency in wheat under different N and P supplement environments and provide evidence for the availability of conditional analysis in dissecting QTLs induced by environmental factors.     

Identification of QTLs for Drought-Related Traits in Alien Introgression Lines Derived from Crosses of Rice (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Oryza sativa</Emphasis> cv. IR64) × <Emphasis Type="Italic">O. glaberrima</Emphasis> under Lowland Moisture Stress

Drought is a major abiotic stress that limits rice productivity in rain-fed and upland ecosystems. African rice, Oryza glaberrima, has low yields but is tolerant to drought and other stresses. We evaluated 513 BC₂F₃ progenies from alien introgression lines (AILs) that were derived from crosses of Oryza sativa (IR64) × O. glaberrima. They were assessed for yield and other traits when grown under drought at two locations. Such conditions reduced grain production by 59% compared with the recurrent parent (IR64). However, 33 AILs had higher yields, thus demonstrating their potential as genetic material for transferring drought-related traits from O. glaberrima to O. sativa. A set of 200 AILs was selectively genotyped with 173 simple sequence repeat and sequenced tagged site markers. Molecular analysis showed that a mean of 4.5% of the O. glaberrima genome was introgressed in BC₂F₃ AILs. Our analysis revealed 33 quantitative trait loci (QTLs; including 10 novel) for different traits. O. glaberrima contributed 50% of the alleles to those newly identified QTLs, with one for grain yield per plant (ypp9.1) being new. A QTL at RM208 on chromosome 2 positively affected yield under stress, accounting for 22% of the genetic variation. Our identification of drought-related QTLs for yield and yield components will be useful to future research efforts in marker-assisted selection.     

Heredity and genetic mapping of domestication-related traits in a temperate japonica weedy rice

Rice is often found as various weedy forms in temperate or newly cultivated rice growing regions throughout the world. The emergence of these forms in the absence of true wild rice remains unclear. A genetic analysis of domestication-related traits (weed syndrome) has been conducted to better understand the appearance of these plants in rice fields. A doubled haploid (DH) population was derived from a cross between a japonica variety and a weedy plant collected in Camargue (France) to set up a genetic linkage map consisting of 68 SSR and 31 AFLP loci. Five qualitative traits related to pigmentation of different organs and 15 developmental and morphological quantitative traits were scored for genes and QTLs mapping. Despite a good reactivity in anther culture and a high fertility of the DH lines, segregation distortions were observed on chromosomal segments bearing gametophytic and sterility genes and corresponded to various QTLs evidenced in indica×japonica distant crosses. Mapping of the coloration genes was found to be in agreement with the presence of several genes previously identified and according to the genetic model governing the synthesis and distribution of anthocyan pigment in the plant. In addition, the main specific traits of weedy forms revealed the same genes/QTLs as progeny derived from a cross between Oryza sativa and its wild progenitor O. rufipogon. A large variation for most characters was found in the DH population, including transgressive variation. Significant correlations were observed between morphology and traits related to weeds and corresponded to a distinct colocalization of most of the QTLs on a limited number of chromosomal regions. The significance of these results on the origin of weedy forms and the de-domestication process is discussed. Received: 25 February 2000 / Accepted: 14 April 2000