Putative candidate genes responsible for leaf rolling in rye (Secale cereale L.)

Area of Science:

• Plant genetics
• Agronomy
• Molecular biology

Background:

• Leaf rolling (RL) is a significant agronomic trait in grasses, particularly rice.
• Limited research exists on the genetic basis of RL in rye, unlike wheat and barley.
• This study addresses the knowledge gap by mapping RL-controlling loci in rye.

Purpose of the Study:

• To identify and map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling leaf rolling in rye.
• To investigate potential pleiotropic effects of RL QTLs with other agronomic traits.
• To select molecular markers linked to RL for marker-assisted selection (MAS).

Main Methods:

• Genotypic analysis to identify QTLs for leaf rolling.
• Construction of a high-density consensus genetic map for rye.
• Alignment of DArT sequences to identify candidate genes linked to QTLs.

Main Results:

• Identified 43 QTLs for RL, confirming its multigenic nature.
• Located four stable QTLs on chromosomes 3R, 5R, and 7R.
• Found co-localization of RL QTLs with traits like drought tolerance, heading earliness, and pre-harvest sprouting.

Conclusions:

• Expanded understanding of the QTL network for morphological and physiological traits in rye.
• Provided a foundation for future studies on genes controlling RL and other agronomic traits.
• Selected molecular markers can aid in marker-assisted selection for rye and wheat improvement.