QTL analysis of photoperiod sensitivity in common buckwheat by using markers for expressed sequence tags and photoperiod-sensitivity candidate genes

Abstract

Photoperiod sensitivity is an important trait related to crop adaptation and ecological breeding in common buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench). Although photoperiod sensitivity in this species is thought to be controlled by quantitative trait loci (QTLs), no genes or regions related to photoperiod sensitivity had been identified until now. Here, we identified QTLs controlling photoperiod sensitivity by QTL analysis in a segregating F4 population (n = 100) derived from a cross of two autogamous lines, 02AL113(Kyukei SC2)LH.self and C0408-0 RP. The F4 progenies were genotyped with three markers for photoperiod-sensitivity candidate genes, which were identified based on homology to photoperiod-sensitivity genes in Arabidopsis and 76 expressed sequence tag markers. Among the three photoperiod-sensitivity candidate genes (FeCCA1, FeELF3 and FeCOL3) identified in common buckwheat, FeELF3 was associated with photoperiod sensitivity. Two EST regions, Fest_L0606_4 and Fest_L0337_6, were associated with photoperiod sensitivity and explained 20.0% and 14.2% of the phenotypic variation, respectively. For both EST regions, the allele from 02AL113(Kyukei SC2)LH.self led to early flowering. An epistatic interaction was also confirmed between Fest_L0606_4 and Fest_L0337_6. These results demonstrate that photoperiod sensitivity in common buckwheat is controlled by a pathway consisting of photoperiod-sensitivity candidate genes as well as multiple gene action.

Accurate Evaluation of Photoperiodic Sensitivity and Genetic Diversity in Common Buckwheat under a Controlled Environment

“…Thus, the level of genetic diversity in a population with regard to the short-day requirement depends on the latitude at which it is cultivated. Hara et al (2011) showed that two gene regions are associated with photoperiodic sensitivity in common buckwheat. In future studies on photoperiodic sensitivity of common buckwheat, the above-mentioned selection process should be clarified and confirmed by evaluating the genetic diversity of common buckwheat in different latitudes by using these genes associated with the photoperiodic sensitivity.…”

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.…”

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

“…Fluorescent lamps for growing plants (Biolux-A FL40SBR-A; NEC Lighting, Ltd., Tokyo, Japan) were used to control the photoperiod. Photoperiod sensitivity evaluation was based on Hara et al (2011) and Hara and Ohsawa (2013) and was performed as follows. The dates of cotyledon development and of the first flower opening in each cluster on the main stem of each plant were recorded.…”

“…Genes related to the photoperiod pathways have been identified in many plant species (Hayama and Coupland 2004, Kojima et al 2002, Liu et al 2001a, Nemoto et al 2003, Yano et al 2000. Hara et al (2011) suggested the existence of a similar photoperiod pathway in common buckwheat. To test this suggestion and to determine the genetic relations between these orthologous genes and QTLs, we selected 16 genes that are related to flowering time in Arabidopsis (Putterill et al 2004) (Supplemental Table 1).…”

“…Although the difference in ecotype in common buckwheat are deeply related to those in photoperiod sensitivity, this relationship has not yet been fully clarified. Hara et al (2011) demonstrated that photoperiod sensitivity in common buckwheat is controlled by at least three loci, which house candidate genes orthologous to those involved in the photoperiod pathway in Arabidopsis (Putterill et al 2004). However, Hara et al (2011) used only a segregating population derived from a cross between two summer-ecotype self-compatible lines; in other common buckwheat ecotypes, loci different from those detected by Hara et al (2011) may control photoperiod sensitivity.…”