Genotyping-by-sequencing and multilocation evaluation of two interspecific backcross populations identify QTLs for yield-related traits in pigeonpea

Theor Appl Genet. 2020 Mar;133(3):737-749. doi: 10.1007/s00122-019-03504-z. Epub 2019 Dec 16.

Abstract

This study has identified single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers associated with nine yield-related traits in pigeonpea by using two backcross populations (BP) developed through interspecific crosses and evaluating them at two locations and 3 years. In both the populations, markers have shown strong segregation distortion; therefore, a quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping mixed model was used. A total of 86 QTLs explaining 12-21% phenotypic variation were detected in BP-1. On the other hand, 107 QTLs explaining 11-29% phenotypic variation were detected in BP-2. Although most QTLs were environment and trait specific, few stable and consistent QTLs were also detected. Interestingly, 11 QTLs in BP-2 were associated with more than one trait. Among these QTLs, eight QTLs associated with days to 50% flowering and days to 75% maturity were located on CcLG07. One SNP "S7_14185076" marker in BP-2 population has been found associated with four traits, namely days to 50% flowering, days to 75% maturity, primary branches per plant and secondary branches per plant with positive additive effect. Hence, the present study has not only identified QTLs for yield-related traits, but also discovered novel alleles from wild species, which can be used for improvement of traits through genomics-assisted breeding.

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Cajanus / genetics*
  • Cajanus / growth & development*
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes, Plant
  • Crosses, Genetic
  • Genetic Association Studies
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genomics
  • Genotype
  • Genotyping Techniques
  • Phenotype
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide
  • Quantitative Trait Loci*
  • Sequence Analysis, DNA

Substances

  • Genetic Markers