Hong Zhou1, Shihang Liu1, Yujiao Liu1, Yaxi Liu1*, Jing You1, Mei Deng1, Jian Ma1, Guangdeng Chen1, Yuming Wei1, Chunji Liu1, Youliang Zheng1
1.Triticeae Research Institute, Sichuan Agricultural UniversityWenjiangChina
2.CSIRO Agriculture FlagshipSt. LuciaAustralia
*.Email author
Cite this article as: Zhou, H., Liu, S., Liu, Y. et al. BMC Genet (2016) 17: 130. doi:10.1186/s12863-016-0438-6
Abstract
Background
Kernel length is an important target trait in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.) breeding programs. However, the number of known quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling kernel length is limited. In the present study, we aimed to identify major QTLs for kernel length, as well as putative candidate genes that might influence kernel length in wild barley.
Results
A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from the barley cultivar Baudin (H. vulgare ssp. vulgare) and the long-kernel wild barley genotype Awcs276 (H.vulgare ssp. spontaneum) was evaluated at one location over three years. A high-density genetic linkage map was constructed using 1,832 genome-wide diversity array technology (DArT) markers, spanning a total of 927.07 cM with an average interval of approximately 0.49 cM. Two major QTLs for kernel length, LEN-3H and LEN-4H, were detected across environments and further validated in a second RIL population derived from Fleet (H. vulgare ssp. vulgare) and Awcs276. In addition, a systematic search of public databases identified four candidate genes and four categories of proteins related to LEN-3H and LEN-4H.
Conclusions
This study establishes a fundamental research platform for genomic studies and marker-assisted selection, since LEN-3H and LEN-4H could be used for accelerating progress in barley breeding programs that aim to improve kernel length.
Keywords
BarleyGenetic linkage mapKernel lengthQTLValidationCandidate gene
Location：