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Selection in Early Generations to Shift Allele Frequency for Seminal Root Angle in Wheat
The Plant Genome
|July 20, 2018
Summary
Plant breeders can now select for seminal root angle (SRA) in wheat using high-throughput phenotyping. This study demonstrates rapid selection for improved root architecture, enhancing crop productivity.
Area of Science:
- Plant breeding
- Agronomy
- Genetics
Background:
- Limited ability to phenotype root characteristics hinders crop productivity enhancement.
- High-throughput phenotyping methods offer new opportunities for root trait selection in breeding programs.
- Seminal root angle (SRA) is a key trait for mature root system architecture in wheat.
Purpose of the Study:
- Investigate phenotypic and molecular selection for seminal root angle (SRA) in wheat.
- Assess genetic diversity for SRA in Australian wheat lines.
- Evaluate selection gain through direct phenotypic selection in early generations.
Main Methods:
- Phenotyped 22 Australian wheat lines for seminal root angle (SRA).
- Conducted two rounds of phenotypic selection for narrow and wide SRA.
- Analyzed allele frequency shifts to identify genomic regions under selection.
- Utilized marker-assisted selection to confirm successful selection.
Main Results:
- Observed a range of seminal root angles from 72° to 106° in wheat lines.
- Achieved a significant shift in mean SRA by up to 10° after two selection rounds.
- Identified genomic regions under selection and confirmed the success of marker-assisted selection.
- Developed lines enriched for narrow or wide SRA within 18 months.
Conclusions:
- Valuable allelic variation for SRA exists in wheat.
- Efficient phenotyping and rapid generation advance enable rapid selection for SRA.
- Selected alleles for SRA can be effectively introgressed into elite wheat lines to improve crop productivity.
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