Genetic identification and characterization of chromosomal regions for kernel length and width increase from tetraploid wheat

Abstract Background Improvement of wheat gerc Triticum aestivum L.) yield could relieve global food shortages. Kernel size, as an important component 1000-kernel weight (TKW), is always a significant consideration to improve for breeders. Wheat related species possesses numerous elite genes that can be introduced into breeding. It thus vital explore, identify, and introduce new genetic resources kernel size from wild relatives increase yield. Results In the present study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) length (KL) width (KW) were detected in recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived cross between emmer accession ‘LM001’ Sichuan endemic tetraploid ‘Ailanmai’ using 55 K single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) array-based constructed linkage map phenotype six different environments. We identified eleven QTL KL KW including two major ones QKL.sicau-AM-3B QKW.sicau-AM-4B , positive alleles which LM001 Ailanmai, respectively. They explained 17.57 44.28% 13.91 39.01% phenotypic variance, For these QTL, Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers developed used successfully validate their effects three F 3 populations natural containing panel 272 Chinese landraces 300 cultivars, was located at 675.6–695.4 Mb on chromosome arm 3BL. 444.2–474.0 4BL. Comparison with previous studies suggested likely loci. Further analysis indicated had great additive effect increasing TKW by 6.01%. Correlation other agronomic traits showed significantly correlated spike length, uppermost internode, TKW, flag leaf length. also TKW. Four genes, TRIDC3BG062390 TRIDC3BG062400 TRIDC4BG037810 TRIDC4BG037830 associated development predicted physical intervals harboring Spring reference genomes. Conclusions Two stable across environments verified biparental populations. Significant relationships yield-related identified. KASP tightly linked contribute greatly subsequent fine mapping. These results application potential improvement.