Comparative mapping and QTL analysis of early spring adaptation traits in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

摘要

Molecular marker-based QTL analysis was applied to the study of winter survival and heading date in barley (H. vulgare). These studies were designed to answer the following questions: (1) how many QTLs are involved and where do they map, (2) how does the environment influence the effect of a QTL region (environment x QTL interactions), (3) when and where are the genes determining the given trait expressed (QTL dynamics), (4) what interactions occur between these QTLs and pathways leading to specific phenotypes, and (5) how consistent is the effect of a QTL region in different genetic backgrounds and in a wider range of germplasm (comparative mapping and association studies)? This knowledge should prove useful in marker-assisted selection and/or gene isolation through marker saturation of the relevant chromosomal regions and map-based cloning. The latter can give an insight into the exact mechanism through which the gene determines the phenotype.