Genome-wide association of yield traits in a nested association mapping population of barley reveals new gene diversity for future breeding

J Exp Bot. 2018 Jul 18;69(16):3811-3822. doi: 10.1093/jxb/ery178.

Abstract

To explore wild barley as a source of useful alleles for yield improvement in breeding, we have carried out a genome-wide association scan using the nested association mapping population HEB-25, which contains 25 diverse exotic barley genomes superimposed on an ~70% genetic background of cultivated barley. A total of 1420 HEB-25 lines were trialled for nine yield-related grain traits for 2 years in Germany and Scotland, with varying N fertilizer application. The phenotypic data were related to genotype scores for 5398 gene-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. A total of 96 quantitative trait locus (QTL) regions were identified across all measured traits, the majority of which co-localize with known major genes controlling flowering time (Ppd-H2, HvCEN, HvGI, VRN-H1, and VRN-H3) and spike morphology (VRS3, VRS1, VRS4, and INT-C) in barley. Fourteen QTL hotspots, with at least three traits coinciding, were also identified, several of which co-localize with barley orthologues of genes controlling grain dimensions in rice. Most of the allele effects are specific to geographical location and/or exotic parental genotype. This study shows the existence of beneficial alleles for yield-related traits in exotic barley germplasm and provides candidate alleles for future improvement of these traits by the breeder.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Edible Grain / genetics
  • Fertilizers
  • Genetic Variation*
  • Genome, Plant*
  • Genome-Wide Association Study*
  • Hordeum / genetics*
  • Nitrogen
  • Plant Breeding*
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Quantitative Trait Loci

Substances

  • Fertilizers
  • Nitrogen