Genetic analysis of photoperiod sensitivity associated with difference in ecotype in common buckwheat

Abstract

Ecotype breeding is a key technology in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench) for the breeding of highly adaptive cultivars and their introduction to other cultivation areas. However, the details of the relationship between photoperiod sensitivity and ecotype remain unclear. Here, we evaluated photoperiod sensitivity in 15 landraces from different parts of Japan, and analyzed quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for photoperiod sensitivity using two F 2 segregating populations derived from the crosses between self-compatible lines ('Kyukei SC2' or 'Buckwheat Norin PL1', early days-to-flowering) and allogamous plants (intermediate or late days-to-flowering). We clarified that (1) photoperiod sensitivity and differences in ecotype are closely related; (2) photoperiod sensitivity is controlled by several QTLs common among population of different ecotypes; and (3) orthologues of GIGANTEA and EARLY FLOWERING 3 will be useful markers in future detailed elucidation of the photoperiod sensitivity mechanism in common buckwheat. This study provides the basis for genomics-assisted breeding for local adaptation and ecotype breeding in common buckwheat.

Genetic basis of maturity time is independent from that of flowering time and contributes to ecotype differentiation in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench)

“…Understanding ecotype differentiation is essential for adaptive expansion and maximizing yield. Determination of buckwheat ecotype is based on the adaptability of the cultivar to the environment in each area, but the genetic analysis of ecotypes has focused only on photoperiod-dependent flowering time [17,18]. In this study, we focused on maturity time as a trait that defines the ecotype.…”

“…Hara et al [18] detected five QTLs for flowering time under SD conditions and six under LD conditions. We used markers around those QTLs [18] in Cross A and were able to map seven of them (Table S4). Of these, Fest_L0013_2 was mapped at 50.6 cM on LG3, 41 cM away from qFT3_KTW (91.7 cM).…”

“…Understanding ecotype differentiation is essential for adaptive expansion and yield maximization because the mismatch between ecotype and environment considerably decreases yield potential. However, genetic analysis of buckwheat ecotypes has been limited to that of flowering time in response to day length [17,18]. The response of flowering time to photoperiod has often been studied to evaluate buckwheat ecotype, but day length appears to affect not only flowering time but also post-flowering reproductive development.…”

Breeding Buckwheat for Increased Levels of Rutin, Quercetin and Other Bioactive Compounds with Potential Antiviral Effects

“…Abiotic factors like weather conditions, drought, solar radiation, weeds and available nutrients may affect the development and yield of buckwheat plants [81][82][83]. Some of the important breeding objectives in common buckwheat breeding include stable yield, superior seed quality, lodging resistance, determinate growth habit, easy dehulling, low shattering of seeds, flood resistance, rutin content, low allergenic protein content, good aroma, and pre-harvest sprouting resistance [2,4,5,58,59,84,85].…”

Important agronomic characteristics of yielding ability in common buckwheat; ecotype and ecological differentiation, preharvest sprouting resistance, shattering resistance, and lodging resistance

“…70 No. 1 Genomic studies of ecotype and difference in ecotype were conducted, and quantitative trait locus and ortholog genes (FeCRY1, FeELF3, FeGI, FePHY3 and FeTOC1) related to photoperiod sensitivity have been estimated (Hara et al 2011(Hara et al , 2020. On the other hand, uniformity of the maturity time is also important in ecotype breeding of common buckwheat.…”