Identification of QTL and Candidate Genes Controlling Plant Height and Internode Length in a Newly Characterized...

Background: Internode length (IL), a key component of plant height (PH), plays an important role in achieving the optimal architecture in wheat. However, the genetic mechanisms underlying internode elongation are not well understood. Methods: In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between Bainong 4199 (BN4199) and Zhengyinmai 2 (ZYM2) was evaluated for PH and five ILs across two field locations over two years and genotyped using a 120 K liquid-phase chip. Results: A total of 141 quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with PH and the five ILs were mapped onto 20 chromosomes, except for chromosome 5D. Among these, 37 stable QTL were identified on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 2D, 4B, 5A, 7A, 7B and 7D, accounting for 3.86-25.97% of the phenotypic variation. Meanwhile, 23 co-localized QTL associated with at least two traits were detected, with QTL cluster regions on chromosomes 2D, 4B, 5A, 7A, and 7B. Moreover, the total additive effects of the QTL combinations increased with the number of QTL, which indicates the effectiveness of pyramid breeding. Additionally, based on gene function annotation, the cloning and characterization of rice orthologs, and analysis via the QTG miner module of the wheat integrative gene regulatory network (wGRN) platform, 63 candidate genes (e.g., Rht1, Rht8, TB1 and ZnF-B) were prioritized within the stable QTL intervals, and their tissue expression patterns were analyzed. Conclusions: Collectively, these findings not only deepen our understanding of the genetic basis of PH and ILs in wheat but also lay a foundation for the further validation and functional characterization of candidate genes, enabling the optimization of plant architecture through marker-assisted selection (MAS) to ultimately improve agronomic performance and yield potential.