QTL analysis of soybean seed weight across multi-genetic backgrounds and environments

Abstract

Seed weight, measured as mass per seed, is an important yield component of soybean and is generally positively correlated with seed yield (Burton et al, Crop Sci 27:1093, 1987). In previous reports, quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with seed weight, were identified in single genetic background. The objective of the present study was to identify QTL and epistatic QTL underlying soybean seed weight in three RIL populations (with one common male parent 'Hefeng25') and across three different environments. Overall, 18, 11, and 17 seed weight QTL were identified in HC ('Hefeng25' × 'Conrad'), HM ('Hefeng25' × 'Maple Arrow'), and HB ('Hefeng25' × 'Bayfield') populations, respectively. The amount of phenotypic variation explained by a single QTL underlying seed weight was usually less than 10 %. The environment and background-independent QTL often had higher additive (a) effects. In contrast, the environment or background-dependent QTL were probably due to weak expression of QTL. QTL by environment interaction effects were in the opposite direction of a effects and/or epistasis effects. Four QTL and one QTL could be identified (2.0 < LOD < 9.06) in the HC and HB populations, respectively, across three environments (swHCA2-1, swHCC2-1, swHCD1b-1, swHCA2-2 (linked to Satt233, Satt424, Satt460, Satt428, respectively) and swHBA1-1(Satt449). Seven QTL could be identified in all three RIL populations in at least one location. Two QTL could be identified in the three RIL populations across three environments. These two QTL may have greater potential for use in marker-assisted selection of seed weight in soybean.

Construction of high-density genetic map and QTL mapping of yield-related and two quality traits in soybean RILs population by RAD-sequencing

“…A total of 47 QTLs for six yield-related traits and 13 QTLs for two quality traits were identified. Of these, 34 QTLs detected herein were coincident with those of previous research [18, 27, 32, 34, 35, 39–50, 56, 57, 59–64]. Eighteen QTLs were stable QTLs that were identified in 2 years.…”

“…In addition, three QTLs ( qBN19a, qPH19b-1, qEP19b ) were detected on Chr19 (40662371–40,701,058 bp) in this study. Similar loci have been previously reported for seed weight, protein and oil content [43, 46, 56]. Another two QTLs ( qIP19a, qSW19a-2 ) on Chr19 were mapped to the interval of 42,309,067–42,469,449 bp.…”

“…Another two QTLs ( qIP19a, qSW19a-2 ) on Chr19 were mapped to the interval of 42,309,067–42,469,449 bp. Some of the seed weight QTLs were detected near this position in past studies [40, 45, 56, 57]. Moreover, QTLs for protein and oil content were also previously identified in this region by both Orf et al and Qi er al.…”

Identification of Novel QTL Governing Root Architectural Traits in an Interspecific Soybean Population

“…A QTL for soybean seed length was also flanked by this marker [66]. Collectively, the marker interval Satt315–Satt424 contains QTLs for growth and yield components including leaf width, leaf shape [67]; days to flowering [68]; seed weight [69,70]; pod maturity and seed protein content [71] in Soybase [37]. These loci may be investigated as candidates for utilization in marker assisted breeding (MAB) programs to improve root architecture and other traits.…”

QTL mapping for yield components and agronomic traits in a Brazilian soybean population

“…QTL are reported for traits related to weight and size of the seeds (Liu et al 2011, Xu et al 2011, Han et al 2012, Sun et al 2012, Hu et al 2013, Liu et al 2013, Pathan et al 2013, Yesudas et al 2013, Kato et al 2014. Moreover, at least six QTL have been reported for grain yield, specifically (Palomeque et al 2009, Sebastian et al 2010, Kim et al 2012, Fox et al 2015, besides the several QTL mapped for other grain yield components from different populations , Guzman et al 2007, Zhang et al 2010, Liu et al 2011, Liu et al 2013.…”