Abstract
Stem elongation is a critical phase for yield determination and, as a major trait, is targeted for manipulation for improvement in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.). In a previous study, we characterized a mutant showing rapid stem elongation but with no effect on plant height at maturity. The present study aimed to finely map the underlying mutated gene, qd1, in this mutant. By analyzing an F2 segregating population consisting of 606 individuals, we found that the qd1 gene behaved in a dominant manner. Moreover, by using the bulked segregant RNA sequencing (BSR-seq)-based linkage analysis method, we initially mapped the qd1 gene to a 13.55 Mb region on chromosome 4B (from 15.41 to 28.96 Mb). This result was further confirmed in F2 and BC3F2 segregating populations. Furthermore, by using transcriptome sequencing data, we developed 14 Kompetitive Allele-Specific PCR (KASP) markers and then mapped the qd1 gene to a smaller and more precise 5.08 Mb interval from 26.80 to 31.88 Mb. To develop additional markers to finely map the qd1 gene, a total of 4,481 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the 5.08 Mb interval were screened, and 25 KASP markers were developed based on 10x-depth genome resequencing data from both wild-type (WT) and mutant plants. The qd1 gene was finally mapped to a 1.33 Mb interval from 28.86 to 30.19 Mb on chromosome 4B. Four candidate genes were identified in this region. Among them, the expression pattern of only TraesCS4B02G042300 in the stems was concurrent with the stem development of the mutant and WT. The qd1 gene could be used in conjunction with molecular markers to manipulate stem development in the future.
Highlights
Facing a growing population and changing climate, we must increase crop yields to secure the food supply for the future
To feed the rapidly increasing global population, improving the wheat yield potential remains a major goal of breeding efforts (Reynolds et al, 2009)
Manipulating the duration of both the preanthesis developmental phase and stem elongation is an important goal for developing improved wheat varieties with better adaptation and yield potential (Borràs-Gelonch et al, 2011; Guo et al, 2018)
Summary
Facing a growing population and changing climate, we must increase crop yields to secure the food supply for the future. According to the FAO, the world will need to feed 9.1 billion people by 2050 (Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations, 2021), and crop production needs to double to meet the projected demands of the increasing population, dietary shifts, and increasing consumption of biofuels (Ray et al, 2013). Wheat has become the most important food source since it is a major source of carbohydrates in the majority of countries and is ideal for processing into different food products (Igrejas et al, 2020). Stem development is critical for final yield production. Due to the importance of wheat stem development, this process has been recognized as an important target for improvement
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