Genetic Difference of Sib lines Derived from Winter Wheat Germplasm “Aimengniu”

“Aimengniu” (Aifeng 3//Mengxian 201/Neuzucht) is a backbone parent for cultivar improvement of winter wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) in China. Up to 2007, 26 wheat cultivars have been developed from the crosses using Aimengniu as a parent. To disclose the genetic basis of this backbone parent in breeding process, the genetic and phenotypic differences among 7 Aimengniu-derived sib lines (types) were compared based on the results from 656 molecular markers and 16 agronomic traits. There were obvious variations among the 7 Aimengniu-derived types in the traits surveyed. The Aimengniu-derived type V showed better performance on yield components than other types. A graphical genotype integrated map was constructed using the molecular marker data, which showed the inheritance of fragments from the 3 parents to Aimengniu. Two F₂ populations (Aifeng 3/Neuzucht and Mengxian 201/Neuzucht) were developed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for yield-related traits in the Aimengniu-derived type V. Eight loci specific to Aimengniu type V were detected on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2D, 3A, 4D, and 7A, which were associated with QTLs for yield components. These specific loci might discriminate the type V from other types at genomic level.