Mapping quantitative trait loci for plant height in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using a F2:3 population

To detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling plant height, the plant height of 240 F2:3 lines derived from the cross of a dwarf wheat line ND3338 with a tall line F390, was assessed in field trials at two locations with three replications in 2000 and 2001. Microsatellite markers were used to construct a framework linkage map containing 215 loci with 21 linkage groups, and covering the whole genome about 3600cM. With the method of interval mapping, seven putative QTLs affecting plant height were detected on chromosomes 1B, 4B (two regions), 6A (two regions), 6D and 7A, respectively. Phenotypic variations explained by each QTL ranged from 5.2% to 50.1%, and in each environment the total putative QTLs explained about 64.8%-75% of the total phenotypic variation respectively. A major QTL located on chromosome arm 4BS near the locus Xgwm113, around the Rht-Blb locus, explained a large part of the phenotypic variation (27.8%-36.2% depending on the years or the locations). Except the QTL on chromosome 7A, all the other QTLs from ND3338 decreased the plant height, variously from 0.94 cm to 9.33 cm. Most of the identified QTLs were consistent in all the environments, and should be useful in future marker-assisted-selection programs for breeding dwarf and semi-dwarf wheat cultivars.