Multi-population QTL detection for aerial morphogenetic traits in the model legume Medicago truncatula

Medicago truncatula, as a model species, is useful to study the genetic control of traits of agronomic interest in legumes species. Aerial morphogenesis is a key component of forage and seed yield. It was measured in four mapping populations originating from five parental lines. Single and multi-population quantitative trait locus (QTL) detections were carried out. A large variation was observed within populations and transgressive segregation was noted. Most traits showed high heritabilities in all seasons. Length of primary branches (LPB, cm) was positively correlated to branch elongation rate (BER, cm day(-1)) and aerial dry matter (ADM, g). Flowering time (FT, °C day(-1)) showed negative correlations with length of main stem (LMS, cm) and BER. One hundred and forty-one QTLs for BER, LMS, FT, LPB, diameter of primary branches (DPB), number of primary branches (NPB), number of nodes (NI) and ADM were identified and localized over all eight chromosomes. Single and multi-population analyses showed that the most important regions for aerial morphogenetic traits were chromosomes 1, 2, 7 and 8. Multi-population analysis revealed three regions of major QTLs affecting aerial morphogenetic traits (LPB, LMS, NPB, BER and FT). A region involved in flowering time variation was revealed on chromosome 6 on a single population. These results were used to identify candidate genes that could control variation for aerial morphogenesis traits in this species and in related crop legume species.