Genetic dissection of quantitative trait loci for flag leaf size in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Flag leaf size is a crucial trait influencing plant architecture and yield potential in wheat. A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the cross of W7268 and Chuanyu 12 was employed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling flag leaf length (FLL), flag leaf width (FLW), and flag leaf area (FLA) in six environments and the best linear unbiased estimator (BLUE) datasets. Using a 55 K SNP-based genetic map, six major and stable QTL were detected with 6.33–53.12% of explained phenotypic variation. Except for QFlw.cib-4B.3, the other five major QTL were co-located within two intervals on chromosomes 2B and 2D, namely QFll/Fla.cib-2B and QFll/Flw/Fla.cib-2D, respectively. Their interactions and effects on the corresponding traits and yield-related traits were also assessed based on flanking markers. QFll/Fla.cib-2B showed pleiotropic effects on spikelet number per spike (SNS). QFlw.cib-4B.3 and QFll/Flw/Fla.cib-2D had effects on grain number per spike (GNS) and thousand-grain weight (TGW). Comparison analysis suggested that QFll/Fla.cib-2B was likely a new locus. Two candidate genes, TraesCS2B03G0222800 and TraesCS2B03G0230000, associated with leaf development within the interval of QFll/Fla.cib-2B were identified based on expression-pattern analysis, gene annotation, ortholog analysis, and sequence variation. The major QTL and markers reported here provide valuable information for understanding the genetic mechanism underlying flag leaf size as well as breeding utilization in wheat.

Identifying genomic regions associated with key agro‐morphological traits in soft red winter wheat using genome‐wide association study

“…For FLW, three major‐effect QTLs were identified: QFlw.uga‐1A on chromosome 1A and QFlw.uga‐2B.1 and QFlw.uga‐2B.2 on chromosome 2B. Several studies have identified QTLs related to flag leaf traits on chromosomes 1A and 2B (Chen et al., 2022; Du et al., 2022; K. Liu et al., 2018; Salarpour et al., 2020; Q. Wu et al., 2016; X. Yan et al., 2020; Yang et al., 2016). However, none of these reported QTLs co‐localized with our QTLs QFlw.uga‐1A and QFlw.uga‐2B.2 (Table S7), suggesting them to be novel loci for FLW.…”

“…For FLW, three major-effect QTLs were identified: QFlw.uga-1A on chromosome 1A and QFlw.uga-2B.1 and QFlw.uga-2B.2 on chromosome 2B. Several studies have identified QTLs related to flag leaf traits on chromosomes 1A and 2B (Chen et al, 2022;Du et al, 2022;K. Liu et al, 2018;Salarpour et al, 2020;Q.…”

Genetic insights into superior grain number traits: a QTL analysis of wheat-Agropyron cristatum derivative pubing3228

“…The yield of wheat is primarily determined by three components: grain number per spike (GNS), grain weight, and spike number [ 6 , 7 ]. Previous studies have shown that GNS significantly impacts wheat grain yield more than grain weight [ 8 – 10 ]. In wheat breeding programs, high yield is primarily achieved by increasing GNS rather than grain weight [ 11 – 15 ].…”

Reduced tillering and dwarfing genes alter root traits and rhizo‐economics in wheat

“…It was reasoned that conserving the energy invested in roots during times of stress could help explain the greater shoot growth and yields of some genotypes compared with others (Chimungu et al, 2014a, b; Saengwilai et al, 2014a, b; Gao and Lynch, 2016). However, the characteristics of an efficient root system and the value of particular root traits and their associated QTLs (Ober et al, 2021; Halder et al, 2023; Li et al, 2023) are not necessarily beneficial in all conditions. Under different stresses, a larger root system might be more efficient even though it requires a greater proportion of the plant's resources to develop and maintain.…”