Mapping homologous sequences for determinacy and photoperiod sensitivity in common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris)

Determinacy and photoperiod insensitivity are agronomically important traits, selected during or after domestication in common bean. Determinacy reduces aboveground plant biomass and accelerates and synchronizes flowering. Photoperiod insensitivity allows common bean to be grown at higher latitudes under long days. In this study, we attempted to identify Phaseolus vulgaris homologues of 12 Arabidopsis genes that are involved in meristem identity determination and the photoperiod-dependent and autonomous flowering pathways. Amplification products with homology to the original Arabidopsis gene were obtained for 8 genes, 7 of which could be mapped onto the common bean-linkage map using the BAT93 x Jalo EEP 558 and Midas x G12873 recombinant inbred populations. Three Terminal Flower 1 homologues (PvTFL1x, PvTFL1y, and PvTFL1z) were mapped to B4, B1, and B7, respectively. PvTFL1y cosegregated with the determinacy locus, fin. In addition, PvTFL1z mapped near or at a second determinacy locus on B7. A Zeitlupe homologue mapped near a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for flowering time on linkage group B9. Constans, FCA, Flowering locus D, Gigantea, and Leafy homologues did not cosegregate with currently mapped flowering time QTLs and photoperiod insensitivity loci in common bean. Further studies are needed to confirm the role of these homologues as potential candidate genes.