Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 14, 2026
08:36
Development of Targeting Induced Local Lesions IN Genomes (TILLING) Populations in Small Grain Crops by Ethyl Methanesulfonate Mutagenesis
Published on: July 16, 2019
Stable QTL Identification and KASP Marker Development for Grain Protein Content in Wheat Using a Linmai2/Zhong892 RIL
Nannan Zhao1, Yamei Wang1, Yuxuan Song1
1College of Life Sciences, Langfang Normal University, Langfang 065000, China.
Plants (Basel, Switzerland)
|August 13, 2026
Summary
Researchers identified five quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain protein content (GPC) in wheat using SNP data. Developed KASP markers associated with GPC will aid in breeding for improved wheat quality.
Area of Science:
- Plant Genetics and Breeding
- Agricultural Science
- Molecular Biology
Background:
- Grain protein content (GPC) is a critical quality trait in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).
- Identifying genetic loci controlling GPC is essential for developing wheat varieties with enhanced end-use and processing quality.
- Significant genetic variation in GPC exists between elite wheat varieties like Linmai2 and Zhong892.
Purpose of the Study:
- To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with grain protein content (GPC) in wheat.
- To develop and validate molecular markers for marker-assisted selection (MAS) to improve GPC in wheat breeding programs.
- To identify candidate genes underlying the identified GPC QTLs.
Main Methods:
- A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from a cross between Linmai2 and Zhong892 was used.
- Linkage mapping was performed using wheat 90K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) chip data across four environments.
- Competitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers were developed and validated in a diverse panel of 140 wheat varieties.
Main Results:
- Five QTLs for GPC were identified on chromosomes 1B, 2B, 4A, 4B, and 6B, explaining 5.21–11.38% of phenotypic variance.
- Favorable alleles for four QTLs (on 1BL, 4AS, 4B, 6BS) originated from Zhong892, and for one QTL (on 2BS) from Linmai2.
- Four KASP markers (KASP-GPC-1BL, KASP-GPC-2BS, KASP-GPC-4B, KASP-GPC-6BS) showed significant association with GPC in a natural population.
- Twelve candidate genes involved in nitrogen metabolism and transport were proposed within the QTL intervals.
Conclusions:
- Stable QTLs for GPC were identified, providing valuable genetic resources for wheat improvement.
- Developed KASP markers are effective tools for marker-assisted selection to accelerate breeding for higher GPC.
- The identified QTLs and candidate genes offer a foundation for further research into the genetic basis of GPC in wheat.
