qtl-mapping
QTL mapping is a technique used to identify regions of the genome associated with variation in measurable traits such as yield, disease resistance, or drought tolerance in plant populations. By linking molecular markers to observable phenotypes, researchers can pinpoint the chromosomal locations of genes controlling complex traits that are influenced by multiple loci and environmental factors. This approach is a foundational step in plant breeding and genetics, enabling scientists to develop improved crop varieties through marker-assisted selection.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-04-29
Scientists identified five key genetic regions in wheat that reliably control flag leaf size across multiple environments, and developed molecular tools to help breeders select for larger, more productive leaves — potentially boosting wheat yields.
Five major, stable genetic regions (QTLs) were identified controlling flag leaf length, width, area, and shape ratio, each explaining 10–16% of the trait variation on average.
A genetic map of 11,583 markers was built and used to map 97–273 QTLs across six environments using three different statistical methods.
Three KASP molecular markers closely linked to these QTLs were validated in independent populations and shown to have a pyramiding effect — stacking multiple favorable loci progressively increases flag leaf size.
