Gene expression differences related to pre-harvest sprouting uncovered in related wheat varieties by RNAseq analysis

Abstract

Damage from pre-harvest sprouting leads to lower quality and prices or rejection of wheat grain by reducing Falling Number. In previous studies, the changes in physical and chemical characteristics of wheat grain by pre-harvest sprouting is well studied where few genes controlling it have been identified. To explore their interaction, more genes must be identified. RNAseq analysis was performed on two varieties of soft red winter wheat sharing 82% of 1978 markers with significantly different Falling Numbers. Here, RNAseq analysis revealed 48 genes from eight families with a likely function related to pre-harvest sprouting. Few genes may be a part of the regulatory pathway controlling seed germination while others appear to be downstream germination-related genes. Gene under study, MFT, was previously associated with pre-harvest sprouting in wheat. Whereas FLC, potentially part of the regulatory pathway, was upregulated only in the resistant line (Scotty) at 35 days after anthesis under conditions favoring pre-harvest sprouting. Three other gene families totaling 11 genes had a similar expression pattern.