Alleles on locus chromosome 4B from different parents confer tiller number and the yield- associated traits in wheat

Abstract

Pleotropy is frequently detected in agronomic traits of wheat (Triticum aestivum). A locus on chromosome 4B, QTn/Ptn/SL/Sns/Al/Tgw/Gl/Gw.caas-4B, proved to show pleotropic effects on tiller, spike, and grain traits using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population of Qingxinmai × 041133. The allele from Qingxinmai increased tiller numbers, and the allele from line 041133 produced better performances of spike traits and grain traits. Several minor effective QTL on different chromosomes enhanced the effects of this locus. Several genes in the genomic interval of the locus on chromosome 4B were differentially expressed in crown and inflorescence samples between Qingxinmai and line 041133. The development of the KASP marker specific for the pleotropic locus on chromosome 4B is useful for molecular marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding.