QTL detection for three tiller-related traits and their effects on yield in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Abstract

Tiller related traits play important roles in determining yielding potential in wheat. It is of great value to elucidate the genetic basis of tiller number for the genetic improvement of wheat yield. In the present study, a recombinant inbred lines (RILs) mapping population derived from the cross between Kenong 9204 (KN9204) × Jing 411 (J411) (denoted by KJ-RILs) was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) analysis of three tiller related traits. A total of 78 putative additive QTLs for spike number per plant (SNPP), the maximum tiller number (MTN) and ear-bearing tiller rate (EBTR) were detected in eight different environments. Among them, 12 repeatable QTL might be novel QTL that were firstly documented in the present study. The genetic effect analysis of two co-located major stable QTL, i.e., qSnpp-KJ-5D.1 and qMtn-KJ-5D.1, on yield-related traits were characterized. Moreover, the favored alleles of qSnpp-KJ-5D.1 and qMtn-KJ-5D.1 have been undergone selection in wheat breeding programs; its future application potential in the genetic improvement of yield based on molecular breeding technology was evaluated. The candidate genes underlying qMtn-KJ-5D.1 were predicated based on multi-omics data information, and TraesKN5D01HG00080 is likely to be its candidate gene. Overall, our findings will be useful for elucidating the genetic architecture of tiller-related traits and developing novel wheat varieties with high yield.