Analysis of an introgressed Nicotiana tomentosa genomic region affecting leaf number and correlated traits in Nicotiana tabacum

Germplasm from closely related diploid relatives of tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.) could be of value for continued genetic modification of this species and for mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs). We examined near isogenic tobacco lines and hybrids differing for an introgressed genomic region from N. tomentosa Ruiz and Pavon designated as Many Leaves that exhibits a large influence on leaf number and correlated traits. Within a ‘Red Russian’ genetic background, the region acted in an additive to partially dominant fashion to delay flowering time, and increase leaf number, plant height, and green leaf yield. Evidence of epistasis was observed as the region affected these traits to varying degrees in diverse near isogenic hybrids. Fifteen amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers of N. tomentosa origin were mapped within a single linkage group of 34.5 cM using a population of 207 BC₁F₁ individuals segregating for Many Leaves. Composite interval mapping produced 2–LOD confidence intervals for likely QTL positions influencing leaf number (3.1 cM region), plant height (2.9 cM region), and days to flowering (3.3 cM region). These intervals were overlapping. Results demonstrate that genomic regions with large genetic effects can be transferred to tobacco from closely related diploid relatives, and that sufficient recombination within these regions may permit mapping of genes controlling quantitative traits. Materials and results described here may be useful in future research to gain insight on the genetic control of the transition from vegetative to reproductive development in Nicotiana.