The Effects of Vernalization and Photoperiod Genes Composition on Heading Date in Wheat

Abstract

The vernalization characteristics of wheat are mainly controlled by vernalization and photoperiod genes, which determine the winter-spring habit and heading-flowering of wheat, and affect its environmental adaptability. In order to understand the effects of vernalization and photoperiod genes on heading date, 12 common wheat varieties widely cultivated in the Huang-Huai region were used as experimental materials, and the effects of different low-temperature vernalization treatments on wheat heading date were studied. Using molecular markers from previous studies, the allelic variations and genotypes of vernalization genes (VRN-A1, VRN-B1, VRN-D1 and VRN-B3) and photoperiod genes (Ppd-A1, Ppd-B1, Ppd-D1) were detected. By identifying the heading date in a controlled greenhouse, the relationship between the vernalization and photoperiod genes composition and the heading date phenotype was analyzed. The experimental results showed that different wheat varieties had different phenotypes after different vernalization treatments. Tian min 198 carried a dominant vernalization gene, and its vernalization characteristics were expressed as spring wheat varieties, with low requirements for low-temperature vernalization. Wheat without a dominant vernalization gene had winter wheat characteristics, with high requirements for low-temperature vernalization. Wheat varieties carrying a dominant vernalization gene can be used to improve late-maturing wheat varieties, and serve as valuable germ plasma resources for variety improvement and introduction. Exploring the effects of different wheat vernalization and photoperiod genes composition on heading date is beneficial to provide a scientific basis for the rational use of wheat varieties, and studying the vernalization and photoperiod genes composition has guiding significance for wheat introduction and ecological breeding.