Identification of chromosome regions conferring dry matter accumulation and photosynthesis in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Dry matter accumulation (DMA) and photosynthetic capacity are important traits that influence biological yield and ultimate grain yield in wheat. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) analyses for DMA of stem, leaves, total plant and photosynthesis traits (Fv/Fm) at the jointing and anthesis stages were studied, using a set of 168 doubled haploid lines (DHLs) derived from the cross Huapei 3 (HP3)/Yumai 57 (YM57). QTL analyses were performed using QTL-Network 2.0 software based on the mixed linear model approach. A total of 18 additive QTLs and 12 pairs of epistatic QTLs were distributed on 16 of the 21 chromosomes. Most of the additive QTLs associated with DMA co-located in the same or adjacent chromosome intervals with QTLs for grain yield and related traits. A major locus Qculmc. sau-5D. 1 (14.2%) close to the molecular marker Xwmc215 detected at the jointing stage was shared by QTLs for heading date and vernalization sensitivity, indicating tight linkages or pleiotropisms. One pair of epistatic QTLs, Qleavesc. sau-4A and Qleavesc. sau- 6B, explained 13.11% of the phenotypic variation at anthesis. All QTL × environment interactions were detected at the jointing stage, showing the importance of the jointing stage in determining the final outcome of plant development. © Springer Science+Business Media B.V. 2009.