Abstract
The heading date is critical in determining the adaptability of plants to specific natural environments. Molecular characterization of the wheat genes that regulate heading not only enhances our understanding of the mechanisms underlying wheat heading regulation but also benefits wheat breeding programs by improving heading phenotypes. In this study, we characterized a late heading date mutant, m605, obtained by ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutation. Compared with its wild-type parent, YZ4110, m605 was at least 7 days late in heading when sown in autumn. This late heading trait was controlled by a single recessive gene named TaHdm605. Genetic mapping located the TaHdm605 locus between the molecular markers cfd152 and barc42 on chromosome 3DL using publicly available markers and then further mapped this locus to a 1.86 Mb physical genomic region containing 26 predicted genes. This fine genetic and physical mapping will be helpful for the future map-based cloning of TaHdm605 and for breeders seeking to engineer changes in the wheat heading date trait.
Highlights
Heading date in crops is associated with the timing of the floral transition and is one of the most important agronomic traits that determines the distribution and regional adaptability of plants, thereby affecting crop production
We report the identification of a novel heading date gene TaHdm605 and illustrate fine mapping of the heading date gene in bread wheat; these results could serve as a framework for map-based cloning and for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs
The results show that the average delay in the heading date of m605 was approximately 12.1 days, and the difference between m605 and YZ4110 was significant (Supplementary Table S2)
Summary
Heading date (flowering time) in crops is associated with the timing of the floral transition and is one of the most important agronomic traits that determines the distribution and regional adaptability of plants, thereby affecting crop production. Plants have evolved multiple genetic pathways that integrate both internal signals and extrinsic stimuli to adapt flowering time to different environmental conditions. Isolation and functional study of heading related genes will provide better understanding of the genetic pathways that control the flowering time of plants and could offer effective strategies for engineering high-yield varieties that can adapt to different climate conditions and changing environments (Jung and Muller, 2009). Suitable heading date is an important determinant that contributes to precise adjustment for seasonal changes, which is important to maximize crop yield. Many studies have been performed to clarify the genetic control of heading date in wheat and have identified the vernalization requirement and photoperiod sensitivity as two main components in the regulation of heading date in wheat
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