Fine mapping and candidate gene mining of major QTL QSL.caas-6BL.1 for spike length in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Xiaohan Xie; Xianghua Meng; Kangzhen Ren; Yutao Cui; Wenjiao Zhang; Dengan Xu; Wujun Ma; Xuehuan Dai

doi:10.3389/fpls.2025.1744596

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Fine mapping and candidate gene mining of major QTL QSL.caas-6BL.1 for spike length in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

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Fine mapping and candidate gene mining of major QTL QSL.caas-6BL.1 for spike length in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Xiaohan Xie, Xianghua Meng, Kangzhen Ren, Yutao Cui, Wenjiao Zhang, Dengan Xu, Wujun Ma and Xuehuan Dai

Frontiers in plant science, Vol.16, 1744596

2026

DOI: https://doi.org/10.3389/fpls.2025.1744596

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Abstract

Fine Mapping

QTL

RNA-seq

spike length

wheat

Background: Spike length (SL) is a key agronomic determinant of wheat spike architecture and yield potential. This study focused on fine‑mapping a major SL‑regulating quantitative trait locus (QTL), QSL.caas‑6BL.1, previously identified in a Doumai (DM) × Shi 4185 population. Methods: High‑density molecular markers were developed and used to screen recombinant families derived from the cross. Genotype–phenotype co‑segregation analysis in advanced generations was employed to delineate the QTL region. Results: The QSL.caas‑6BL.1 locus was delimited to a 3 Mb physical interval on chromosome 6B (IWGSC RefSeq v2.1). Gene annotation and transcriptome analysis of young spikes identified 25 high‑confidence genes within this region. Among these, the NAC transcription factor gene TraesCS6B03G1211800 emerged as the prime candidate, being the only gene that combined significant differential expression between parental near‑isogenic lines with coding‑sequence variants leading to amino acid changes. Conclusion: Our work narrows a major QTL to a precise genomic interval and pinpoints a promising candidate gene, providing a valuable resource for understanding the genetic control of wheat spike development and for marker‑assisted breeding.

Details

Title: Fine mapping and candidate gene mining of major QTL QSL.caas-6BL.1 for spike length in bread wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)
Authors/Creators: Xiaohan Xie - Qingdao Agricultural University
Xianghua Meng - Qingdao Agricultural University
Kangzhen Ren - Qingdao Agricultural University
Yutao Cui - Qingdao Agricultural University
Wenjiao Zhang - Qingdao Agricultural University
Dengan Xu - Qingdao Agricultural University
Wujun Ma - Murdoch University, Centre for Crop and Food Innovation
Xuehuan Dai - Qingdao Agricultural University
Publication Details: Frontiers in plant science, Vol.16, 1744596
Publisher: Frontiers Media S.A.
Number of pages: 11
Identifiers: 991005861090407891
Murdoch Affiliation: Centre for Crop and Food Innovation; School of Agricultural Sciences
Language: English
Resource Type: Journal article

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Collaboration types: Domestic collaboration; International collaboration
Citation topics: 3 Agriculture, Environment & Ecology; 3.4 Crop Science; 3.4.96 QTL
Web Of Science research areas: Plant Sciences
ESI research areas: Plant & Animal Science