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. 2024 Apr 11;24(1):271.
doi: 10.1186/s12870-024-04913-z.

Genetic insights into superior grain number traits: a QTL analysis of wheat-Agropyron cristatum derivative pubing3228

Jiansheng Wang  1   2 , Erwei Wang  3 , Shiping Cheng  4   5 , Aichu Ma  3
Affiliations

Genetic insights into superior grain number traits: a QTL analysis of wheat-Agropyron cristatum derivative pubing3228

Jiansheng Wang et al. BMC Plant Biol. .

Abstract

Background: Agropyron cristatum (L.) is a valuable genetic resource for expanding the genetic diversity of common wheat. Pubing3228, a novel wheat-A. cristatum hybrid germplasm, exhibits several desirable agricultural traits, including high grain number per spike (GNS). Understanding the genetic architecture of GNS in Pubing3228 is crucial for enhancing wheat yield. This study aims to analyze the specific genetic regions and alleles associated with high GNS in Pubing3228.

Methods: The study employed a recombination inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between Pubing3228 and Jing4839 to investigate the genetic regions and alleles linked to high GNS. Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) analysis and candidate gene investigation were utilized to explore these traits.

Results: A total of 40 QTLs associated with GNS were identified across 16 chromosomes, accounting for 4.25-17.17% of the total phenotypic variation. Five QTLs (QGns.wa-1D, QGns.wa-5 A, QGns.wa-7Da.1, QGns.wa-7Da.2 and QGns.wa-7Da.3) accounter for over 10% of the phenotypic variation in at least two environments. Furthermore, 94.67% of the GNS QTL with positive effects originated from Pubing3228. Candidate gene analysis of stable QTLs identified 11 candidate genes for GNS, including a senescence-associated protein gene (TraesCS7D01G148000) linked to the most significant SNP (AX-108,748,734) on chromosome 7D, potentially involved in reallocating nutrients from senescing tissues to developing seeds.

Conclusion: This study provides new insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying high GNS in Pubing3228, offering valuable resources for marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding to enhance yield.

Keywords: Candidate gene; Genetic analysis; Grain number per Spike; Pubing3228; Quantitative trait loci; Wheat breeding.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no competing interests.

Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Distribution of GNS in the Pubing3228 and Jing4839 RIL population across different years and locations. Note (A) Comparative bar chart of GNS from 2019 to 2021, where E1, E2, and E3 represent the distinct environments of Pingdingshan, Yangling, and Xianyang, respectively. Blue bars indicate the Pubing3228 variety, while red bars represent the Jing4839 variety. (B-G) Histograms and fitted curves showing the distribution of GNS in the RIL population under the environments of Pingdingshan in 2019 (E1, 2019), Pingdingshan in 2020 (E1, 2020), Yangling in 2020 (E2, 2020), Xianyang in 2020 (E3, 2020), Pingdingshan in 2021 (E1, 2021), and Yangling in 2021 (E2, 2021)
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Graphical summary of the genetic basis of high GNS in the wheat-A. cristatum hybrid germplasm Pubing3228
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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