Pinb-D1p is an elite allele for improving end-use quality in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

We identified ten QTLs controlling SDS-SV trait in a RIL population derived from ND3331 and Zang1817. Pinb-D1p is an elite allele from Tibetan semi‑wild wheat for good end-use quality. Gluten strength is an important factor for wheat processing and end-product quality and is commonly characterized using the sodium dodecyl sulfate-sedimentation volume (SDS-SV) test. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with wheat SDS-SV traits using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from common wheat line NongDa3331 (ND3331) and Tibetan semi-wild wheat accession Zang1817. We detected 10 QTLs controlling SDS-SV on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 3A, 4A, 4B, 5A, 5D, 6B and 7A, with individual QTLs explaining 2.02% to 15.53% of the phenotypic variation. They included four major QTLs, Qsdss-1A, Qsdss-1B.1, Qsdss-1B.2, and Qsdss-5D, whose effects on SDS-SV were due to the Glu-A1 locus encoding the high-molecular-weight glutenin subunit 1Ax1, the 1B/1R translocation, 1Bx7 + 1By8 at the Glu-B1 locus, and the hardness-controlling loci Pina-D1 and Pinb-D1, respectively. We developed KASP markers for the Glu-A1, Glu-B1, and Pinb-D1 loci. Importantly, we showed for the first time that the hardness allele Pinb-D1p positively affects SDS-SV, making it a good candidate for wheat quality improvement. These results broaden our understanding of the genetic characterization of SDS-SV, and the QTLs identified are potential target regions for fine-mapping and marker-assisted selection in wheat breeding programs.