Work

Genome-wide QTL mapping and candidate gene analysis reveal elite yield-, fiber- and seed-associated alleles in Gossypium hirsutum race purpurascens

Year: 2025

Type: article

Abstract: Traditional and effective crossbreeding techniques are widely used to introduce and create desired genetic variation, while integrating main characteristics of elite parents into the progeny. Improvement of cultivars using alleles from wild and semi-wild species has become a current focus in cotton genetic improvement and resources research. In this study, we created a backcrossed inbred lines (BIL) population from parents Gossypium hirsutum cultivar and G. hirsutum race purpurascens and identified Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) for yield-, fiber- and seed-related traits. Specific locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) technology was used to develop single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers and construct a high-density genetic linkage map. QTL localization was performed by utilizing phenotype data for yield-, fiber- and seed-related traits under seven environments. A total of 633 QTL were identified, among which 318 favorable alleles derived from G. hirsutum race purpurascens . One hundred and fifty stable QTL were identified in more than two environments, and candidate genes for two QTL were further analyzed. These results highlight the great potential of utilizing G. hirsutum race purpurascens germplasm to improve yield-, fiber- and seed-related traits in G. hirsutum .

Source: Industrial Crops and Products

DOI: 10.1016/j.indcrop.2025.121067