Genome‐wide association analysis of coleoptile length and interaction with plant height in durum wheat

Abstract

Genotypes with longer coleoptiles can be sown in deep soil layers to reach the underground moisture needed for germination in dry areas. Developing new varieties with longer coleoptiles and shorter plant heights would be novel for wheat breeding and production. In this study, coleoptile lengths of a panel of durum wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum) genotypes were determined, and 14,255 DArTseq (SNP and Silico‐DArT) markers were used to identify coleoptile length associated markers (MTAs) by Genome‐Wide Association Study (GWAS). A wide genetic variation was accounted for both coleoptile length and plant height. The genetic relationships between coleoptile length and plant height were evaluated using plant height values from five different environments. Two environmentally stable MTAs were identified, one for coleoptile length (QCol.su.4BS) and one for plant height (QPh.su.4BS). These MTAs were located on the short arm of chromosome 4B with LOD scores up to 12.00 and 17.00, respectively. A relatively high LD (r2 = 0.71) was accounted for between QCol.su.4BS and QPh.su.4BS. The LD block intervals of the MTAs overlapped with some genes with roles in plant growth and development. The functions of plausible candidate genes tell us that QCol.su.4BS may be controlling coleoptile length, whereas QPh.su.4BS may be regulating plant height. The combination of the two loci would be desirable. In conclusion, this study sheds light on the genetic control of coleoptile length and its relationship with plant height in durum wheat.This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved

Exploring cannabidiol variations, investigation of genetic diversity, population structure and unveiling male-specific genetic marker in industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.)

“…The quest for a reliable molecular marker for earlystage sexual differentiation in hemp is crucial, necessitating further validation through additional features linked to gender traits. Sesiz et al (2024) highlighted the utility of a genome-wide association study (GWAS) for discovering genetic markers associated with significant characteristics, providing a more precise and cost-effective alternative to traditional breeding methods. Utilizing molecular markers in GWAS can accurately pinpoint the location of genes controlling vital traits such as gender, offering valuable information for developing more effective breeding techniques, including Marker-Assisted Selection (MAS).…”