Discovery of interesting new polymorphisms in a sugar beet (elite $$\times$$ exotic) progeny by comparison with an elite panel

Abstract

Key messageThe comparison of QTL detection performed on an elite panel and an (elite exotic) progeny shows that introducing exotic germplasm into breeding programs can bring new interesting allelic diversity.AbstractSelection of stable varieties producing the highest amount of extractable sugar per hectare (ha), resistant to diseases, and respecting environmental criteria is undoubtedly the main target for sugar beet breeding. As sodium, potassium, and -amino nitrogen in sugar beets are the impurities that have the biggest negative impact on white sugar extraction, it is interesting to reduce their concentration in further varieties. However, domestication history and strong selection pressures have affected the genetic diversity needed to achieve this goal. In this study, quantitative trait locus (QTL) detection was performed on two populations, an (elite exotic) sugar beet progeny and an elite panel, to find potentially new interesting regions brought by the exotic accession. The three traits linked with impurities content were studied. Some QTLs were detected in both populations, the majority in the elite panel because of most statistical power. Some of the QTLs were colocated and had favorable effect in the progeny since the exotic allele was linked with a decrease in the impurity content. A few number of favorable QTLs were detected in the progeny, only. Consequently, introgressing exotic genetic material into sugar beet breeding programs can allow the incorporation of new interesting alleles.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (10.1007/s00122-019-03406-0) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

A Comparison of Methods to Estimate Additive–by–Additive–by–Additive of QTL×QTL×QTL Interaction Effects by Monte Carlo Simulation Studies

“…Most important plant traits are quantitative in nature and are influenced by multiple quantitative trait locus (QTLs). The effects of these QTLs on the expression of quantitative trait has been considered in various species such as maize [ 8 ], barley [ 9 ], rice [ 10 , 11 ], oilseed rape [ 12 , 13 , 14 ], wheat [ 15 ] and sugar beet [ 16 ]. Many loci showing cumulative small effects are often rejected in standard QTL analyses [ 17 , 18 ].…”

Image-Based Dynamic Quantification of Aboveground Structure of Sugar Beet in Field

“…Sugar beet ranks as the second largest crop for sugar production in the world and the first in Europe. It is also the source for bioethanol and animal feed [1,2]. According to the prediction of per capita sugar consumption and population growth, the world sugar production is about 175 metric tons at present, and needs to be increased by one million tons every year to meet the demand of 230 million tons in 2050 [3,4].…”

“…According to the prediction of per capita sugar consumption and population growth, the world sugar production is about 175 metric tons at present, and needs to be increased by one million tons every year to meet the demand of 230 million tons in 2050 [3,4]. To improve global sugar production, plant breeding programs need to find the desired sugar beet genotypes to meet the requirements [2,5]. However, plant phenotyping, as a key to plant breeding programs [6,7], is usually performed manually which is time-consuming and expensive [8,9].…”