Identification and validation of quantitative trait loci for seven quality-related traits in common wheat (Triticum aestivum L.).

Key message: QTLs for seven different quality traits were mapped. Six QTLs were considered stable and major QTLs, and the genetic effects of the QTLs were validated. Wheat grain quality traits are the key factors for economic value and are largely influenced by genetics and the environment. In this study, a genetic linkage map consisting of 8329 markers spanning 4131.54 cM was constructed using the Wheat55K SNP Array by genotyping a recombinant inbred line population of 304 lines. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for the swelling index of glutenin, SDS sedimentation volume (SDSS), wet gluten content, grain protein content, gluten index, grain starch content, and falling number were mapped for multiple years of experiments using the ICIM-BIP, ICIM-MET, and ICIM-EPI methods, respectively. A total of 92 QTLs, 194 cQTLs, and 117 pairs of eQTLs were mapped. Six QTLs, which were QGPC.sau-4A.1, QWGC.sau-4A, QSDSS.sau-1A.1, QGI.sau-1A, QFN.sau-4D, and QSIG.sau-1A, were considered major and stable QTLs. BLAST results showed that except QFN.sau-4D, the other 5 QTLs were new. Eight QTL clusters that contained 19 QTLs were also detected, and all the major and stable QTLs were located in these QTL clusters. Kompetitive allele-specific PCR markers closely linked to the six QTLs were designed. The genetic effects of the major and stable QTLs were successfully confirmed in different populations. These results provide new resources for breeding of high-quality wheat in the future.