QTL mapping of yield and yield components for elite hybrid derived-RILs in upland cotton

A population of 180 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) was developed by single seed descended from the cross of high yield Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) varieties Zhongmiansuo12 (ZMS12) and 8891, the two parents of Xiangzamian2 (XZM2). A genetic linkage map consisting of 132 loci and covering 865.20 cM was constructed using the RIL population chiefly with SSR markers. Yield and yield components were investigated for RILs in three environments in China. The purpose of the present research was to analyze the relationship between yield and its components and to map QTL for yield and yield components in cotton. QTL were tagged with data sets from single environment (separate analysis) and a set of data from means of the three environments (joint analysis). A total of 34 QTL for yield and yield components were independently detected in three environments, whereas fifteen QTL were found in joint analysis. Notably, a stable lint percentage QTL qLP-A10-1 was detected both in joint analysis and in two environments of separate analysis, which might be of special value for marker-assisted selection. The QTL detected in the present study provide new information on improving yield and yield components. Results of path analysis showed that bolls/plant had the largest contribution to lint yield, which is consistent with the mid-parent heterosis value in F(1). Accordingly, in cotton breeding, bolls/plant can be considered first and other yield components measured as a whole to implement variety enhancement and hybrid selection of cotton.