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QTL mapping for root traits during post-tillering stage under moisture-deficit stress in wheat
Sreehari V Santhosh1, Sukumar Taria1,2, Sudhir Kumar3
1Division of Plant Physiology, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India.
Plant Molecular Biology
|July 21, 2026
Summary
This study identified major quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for wheat root traits crucial for drought adaptation. Key QTLs and candidate genes were discovered, offering potential for marker-assisted selection in breeding programs.
Area of Science:
- Plant genetics
- Agronomy
- Drought stress physiology
Background:
- Root traits are vital for wheat adaptation to moisture-deficit stress, particularly during post-tillering stages.
- Understanding the genetic basis of root development is essential for improving crop resilience in arid environments.
Purpose of the Study:
- To map quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with root and yield traits in wheat.
- To identify major stable QTLs and candidate genes for root traits under drought stress.
- To pinpoint elite wheat lines for breeding programs using multi-trait indices.
Main Methods:
- Developed 198 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from a cross between contrasting wheat parents (HD 3086 and HI 1500).
- Genotyped RILs using the 35K Axiom Wheat Breeder's Array and performed QTL mapping with Inclusive Composite Interval Mapping (ICIM) software.
- Utilized multi-trait indices (MGIDI, FAI-BLUP, SHI) to identify superior RILs for breeding.
Main Results:
- Mapped 24 traditional QTLs across 14 wheat chromosomes, including a major stable QTL (QARFC.iari-2A) for root fresh weight.
- Identified a pleiotropic chromosomal region on 6A linked to six traits and a candidate gene (TraesCS5A03G0005300) affecting root-shoot length ratio.
- Selected three RILs (RIL-53, RIL-56, RIL-123) as promising candidates for wheat breeding programs.
Conclusions:
- The identified QTLs and candidate genes provide valuable genetic resources for enhancing wheat's drought tolerance.
- Marker-assisted selection (MAS) can be employed for future wheat breeding programs after validation of these QTLs.
- This research contributes to developing climate-resilient wheat varieties through precise genetic insights.
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