QTL mapping and KASP marker development of grain quality-relating traits in two wheat RIL populations

Abstract

We utilized a 55K single-nucleotide polymorphism (55K SNP) array and diversity array technology (DArT) to identify QTLs for grain protein content (GPC), wet gluten content (WGC), and sedimentation value (SV) in two F6 recombinant inbred lines derived from Avocet/Chilero and Avocet/Huites. Sixty-eight QTLs were identified related to grain protein content, wet gluten content, and settlement value, explaining 3.60%–22.53% of the phenotypic variances. Fourteen QTLs were found to be present in multiple environments, located on chromosomes 3A(2), 4D, 5D(2), 6A(8), and 7B, respectively. Additionally, seven QTLs clusters were detected on chromosomes 3A, 3D, 4B, 5D, 6A(2), and 7B, respectively. Two stable QTL clusters, C3A and C6A.2, identified in the physical intervals of 9.32–60.01 Mb and 38.47–82.95 Mb, respectively, were significantly associated with grain protein content and wet gluten content. These clusters accounted for 6.55%–14.21% and 3.83%–22.53% of the phenotypic variances for grain protein content, wet gluten content, and sedimentation value. Meanwhile, a total of 16 candidate genes associated with grain protein content were predicted within the two stable QTL clusters. Moreover, two KASP marker, CGPC-6A-KASP-1 and CGPC-6A-KASP-2, were developed based on the candidate genes. The findings of this study provide support for the identification of new QTL and KASP markers that can contribute to the genetic improvement of grain quality-related traits in wheat. These results also offer valuable insights for marker-assisted breeding in wheat.