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Abstract
This comprehensive genome-wide association study (GWAS) is aimed at deciphering the genetic architecture underlying key agro-morphological traits, grain yield (GY), spike characteristics, and end-use quality traits in soft red winter wheat (SRWW). The GWAS includes a diverse panel of 266 SRWW evaluated over multiple locations-years environments, ensuring the robustness and reliability of the findings.
Agro-morphological traits are vital determinants of wheat adaptation to diverse environments, impacting productivity and resilience. Significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified for flag leaf traits, peduncle length, plant height, heading date, and plant vigor. Eleven major-effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, including novel and/or stable QTLs across environments. Pyramiding of favorable alleles for major-effect QTLs resulted in substantial improvements in peduncle length, flag leaf width, and plant height, highlighting the potential for enhancing wheat yield potential through targeted breeding efforts.
Understanding the genetic basis of GY and spike characteristics is paramount for enhancing wheat productivity. Significant MTAs were identified across multiple chromosomes for GY and spike characteristics. Seven major-effect QTLs associated with GY, spike weight, and spike length were detected, with significant contributions to phenotypic variance (PV). The pyramiding of major-effect QTLs led to a significant increase in GY, underscoring the importance of these loci in wheat breeding programs aimed at enhancing GY potential.
The investigation into end-use quality traits helps us understand the genetic complexity of these traits for developing varieties with improved quality attributes. This study identified significant MTAs for end-use quality traits in SRWW, particularly for kernel and flour protein, flour yield, and various solvent retention capacities. Thirteen major-effect QTLs with significant contributions to PV were detected. These QTLs could have major implications for improving the quality of SRWW, particularly in the US Southeast region.
This study's significance lies not only in its comprehensive genetic insights but also in its practical implications for wheat breeding programs. By identifying major and novel QTLs, coupled with insights into candidate genes, this research empowers breeders to develop tailored wheat cultivars optimized for specific environments and end-user requirements.
Agro-morphological traits are vital determinants of wheat adaptation to diverse environments, impacting productivity and resilience. Significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) were identified for flag leaf traits, peduncle length, plant height, heading date, and plant vigor. Eleven major-effect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were identified, including novel and/or stable QTLs across environments. Pyramiding of favorable alleles for major-effect QTLs resulted in substantial improvements in peduncle length, flag leaf width, and plant height, highlighting the potential for enhancing wheat yield potential through targeted breeding efforts.
Understanding the genetic basis of GY and spike characteristics is paramount for enhancing wheat productivity. Significant MTAs were identified across multiple chromosomes for GY and spike characteristics. Seven major-effect QTLs associated with GY, spike weight, and spike length were detected, with significant contributions to phenotypic variance (PV). The pyramiding of major-effect QTLs led to a significant increase in GY, underscoring the importance of these loci in wheat breeding programs aimed at enhancing GY potential.
The investigation into end-use quality traits helps us understand the genetic complexity of these traits for developing varieties with improved quality attributes. This study identified significant MTAs for end-use quality traits in SRWW, particularly for kernel and flour protein, flour yield, and various solvent retention capacities. Thirteen major-effect QTLs with significant contributions to PV were detected. These QTLs could have major implications for improving the quality of SRWW, particularly in the US Southeast region.
This study's significance lies not only in its comprehensive genetic insights but also in its practical implications for wheat breeding programs. By identifying major and novel QTLs, coupled with insights into candidate genes, this research empowers breeders to develop tailored wheat cultivars optimized for specific environments and end-user requirements.