The application of high-density genetic maps of rye for the detection of QTLs controlling morphological traits.

The development of genetic maps is, nowadays, one of the most intensive research activities of plant geneticists. One of the major goals of genome mapping is the localisation of quantitative trait loci (QTLs). This study was aimed at the identification of QTLs controlling morphological traits of rye and comparison of their localisation on genetic maps constructed with the use of genetically different germplasms. For QTL analyses, two high-density consensus maps of two populations (RIL-S and RIL-M) of recombinant inbred lines (RIL) were applied. Plant height (Ph), length of spikes (Sl) and the number of spikelets per spike (Sps) were studied in both populations. Additionally, the number of kernels per spike under isolation (Kps), the weight of kernels per spike (Kw) and thousand kernel weight (Tkw) were assessed in the RIL-M population. Except for Tkw, the majority of the traits were correlated to each other. The non-parametric Kruskal-Wallis (K-W) test and composite interval mapping (CIM) revealed 18/48 and 24/18 regions of rye chromosomes engaged in the determination of Ph, Sl and Sps in the RIL-S and RIL-M populations, respectively. An additional 18/15 QTLs controlling Kps, Kw and Tkw were detected on a map of the RIL-M population. A numerous group of QTLs detected via CIM remained in agreement with the genomic regions found when the K-W test was applied. Frequently, the intervals indicated by CIM were narrower.

QTLs for resistance to preharvest sprouting in rye (Secale cereale L.).

Grain quality of rye is often negatively affected by sprouting - a complex trait with a poorly understood genetic background and strong interaction with weather conditions. The aim of this report was to detect the main quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying preharvest sprouting resistance in rye, measured as a percentage of sprouted kernels after spraying spikes with water for 7 days. Simple and composite interval mapping, carried out in 3 environments on 94 F3 and F4 families of the cross between sprouting-susceptible (541) and sprouting-resistant (Ot1-3) inbred lines, revealed 5 QTLs located on chromosome arms 1RL, 2RL, 5RL, 6RL and 7RL. The significance of these QTLs was additionally proved by disruptive selection carried out on 5000 F2 plants of the 541 x Ot1-3 cross and continued to the F5 generation of recombinant inbred lines (RIL), which strongly affected allele frequencies at linked marker loci. Resistance to preharvest sprouting showed dominant inheritance except for QPhs.uas-7R.1 (recessive) and QPhs.uas-1R.1 (additive). Results of the present study suggest that introgression of 4-5 QTLs, identified in line Ot1-3, should substantially reduce sprouting risk in rye varieties.

New genetic map of rye composed of PCR-based molecular markers and its alignment with the reference map of the DS2 x RXL10 intercross.

A new genetic map of rye, developed by using the 541 x Ot1-3 F2 intercross, consists of 148 marker loci, including 99 RAPDs, 18 SSRs, 14 STSs, 9 SCARs and 7 ISSRs, and spans the distance of 1401.4 cM. To the 7 rye chromosomes, 8 linkage groups were assigned and compared with the reference map of the DS2 x RXL10 F2 intercross by using 24 common markers. The 2 combined maps contain altogether 611 marker loci (70-109 per chromosome) and constitute a substantial source of information useful for further genomic studies in rye. From 21 to 37 RAPD marker loci are distributed randomly along each chromosome length and their total number for all 7 rye chromosomes is 177. This abundance of RAPD marker loci in the rye genetic map can be exploited for development of SCARs in regions containing important genes or QTL.