{"title":"The selection and application of tiller number QTLs in modern wheat breeding.","authors":"Xiangjun Lai, Zhiwei Zhu, Yuanfei Zhang, Yuxiu Liu, Tian Lu, Jinxia Qin, Shengbao Xu","doi":"10.1007/s00122-025-04908-w","DOIUrl":null,"url":null,"abstract":"<p><p>Tiller number is a key factor influencing wheat plant architecture and yield potential. This study analyzed the variation in tiller number among 323 wheat accessions across nine environmental conditions. The results revealed a significant decrease in tiller number in modern cultivars compared to traditional landraces, indicating a trend in selective breeding for fewer tillers. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) identified four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with tiller number on chromosomes 2D, 5A, and 6A. Haplotypes linked to reduced tiller number at three of these QTLs have been significantly selected and are predominantly found in various Chinese agroecological zones, positively affecting grain number and/or weight. These findings suggest that contemporary Chinese wheat breeding strategies have prioritized reducing tiller number while improving spike yield. Identifying selected haplotype combinations can further enhance breeding efforts aimed at optimizing the tiller number trait. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of tiller number QTLs and their relevance to wheat breeding practices.</p>","PeriodicalId":22955,"journal":{"name":"Theoretical and Applied Genetics","volume":"138 6","pages":"124"},"PeriodicalIF":4.4000,"publicationDate":"2025-05-24","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":"0","resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":null,"PeriodicalName":"Theoretical and Applied Genetics","FirstCategoryId":"97","ListUrlMain":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s00122-025-04908-w","RegionNum":1,"RegionCategory":"农林科学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":null,"EPubDate":"","PubModel":"","JCR":"Q1","JCRName":"AGRONOMY","Score":null,"Total":0}
引用次数: 0
Abstract
Tiller number is a key factor influencing wheat plant architecture and yield potential. This study analyzed the variation in tiller number among 323 wheat accessions across nine environmental conditions. The results revealed a significant decrease in tiller number in modern cultivars compared to traditional landraces, indicating a trend in selective breeding for fewer tillers. Genome-wide association studies (GWASs) identified four quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with tiller number on chromosomes 2D, 5A, and 6A. Haplotypes linked to reduced tiller number at three of these QTLs have been significantly selected and are predominantly found in various Chinese agroecological zones, positively affecting grain number and/or weight. These findings suggest that contemporary Chinese wheat breeding strategies have prioritized reducing tiller number while improving spike yield. Identifying selected haplotype combinations can further enhance breeding efforts aimed at optimizing the tiller number trait. This study provides insights into the genetic basis of tiller number QTLs and their relevance to wheat breeding practices.
期刊介绍:
Theoretical and Applied Genetics publishes original research and review articles in all key areas of modern plant genetics, plant genomics and plant biotechnology. All work needs to have a clear genetic component and significant impact on plant breeding. Theoretical considerations are only accepted in combination with new experimental data and/or if they indicate a relevant application in plant genetics or breeding. Emphasizing the practical, the journal focuses on research into leading crop plants and articles presenting innovative approaches.