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RFLP markers associated with major genes controlling heading date evaluated in a barley germ plasm pool
1Department of Genetics and Plant Production, Estacion Experimental de Aula Dei, CSIC, PO Box 202, 50080-Zaragoza, Spain.
Heredity
|January 5, 2000
Summary
Barley heading responses vary significantly, influenced by vernalization and photoperiod sensitivities. Molecular markers linked to these traits can aid in breeding better adapted barley varieties for diverse environments.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Genetics
- Crop Physiology
Background:
- Crop phenology adjustment is vital for barley adaptation to dry-land farming.
- Understanding genotypic variation in heading response is key for breeding programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize diverse barley heading responses under field and controlled conditions.
- To identify associations between phenotypic traits and molecular markers linked to vernalization and photoperiod sensitivity loci.
Main Methods:
- Field trials across Spain and Scotland with autumn, winter, and spring sowings.
- Controlled glasshouse experiments with varying vernalization and photoperiod treatments.
- Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism (RFLP) analysis using specific probes and enzymes.
Main Results:
- Significant associations were found between RFLP markers and heading responses, consistent with known loci.
- Marker-trait associations in germplasm pools suggest utility for breeding.
- Two potential epistatic interactions were detected, one possibly linked to short-day vernalization.
Conclusions:
- Phenotypic trait-molecular marker associations are present in barley germplasm.
- RFLP markers linked to vernalization and photoperiod genes can be valuable for barley breeding.
- Further investigation into epistatic interactions may reveal complex genetic controls for adaptation.