Remote sensing of quality traits in cereal and arable production systems:A review

Cereal is an essential source of calories and protein for the global population.Accurately predicting cereal quality before harvest is highly desirable in order to optimise management for farmers,grading harvest and categorised storage for enterprises,future trading prices,and policy planning.The use of remote sensing data with extensive spatial coverage demonstrates some potential in predicting crop quality traits.Many studies have also proposed models and methods for predicting such traits based on multiplatform remote sensing data.In this paper,the key quality traits that are of interest to producers and consumers are introduced.The literature related to grain quality prediction was analyzed in detail,and a review was conducted on remote sensing platforms,commonly used methods,potential gaps,and future trends in crop quality prediction.This review recommends new research directions that go beyond the traditional methods and discusses grain quality retrieval and the associated challenges from the perspective of remote sensing data.

Genome-wide association study exposed the pleiotropic genes for yield-related and oil quality traits in Brassica napus L.

Oilseed rape(Brassica napus L.) is an allotetraploid(AACC,2n=38) crop,valued for its edible oil and protein content.seed yield and nutritional composition of rapeseed are influenced by its yield and oil quality traits.However,the genetic basis of yield-related and oil-quality traits remain ambiguous.A panel of 266 diversified oilseed rape accessions was genotyped using 223 simple sequence repeat(SSR) markers covering all 19 chromosomes to identify significant markers associated with yield and quality traits.Twelve yield-related and six quality traits were investigated in two consecutive years(2014 and 2015),with three replications in two environments(Changshun,CS;and Qinghe,QH).Using the model GLM with population structure and kinship(Q+K),a total of 25 significant SSR markers(P <0.001) were detected to be associated with these twelve yield-related and six quality traits,explaining 4.56%-19.17% of the phenotypic variation for each trait.Based on these markers,BnaA03g23490D, BnaC09g46370D,BnaA07g37150D,BnaA01g32590D, and BnaC09g37280D were identified as pleiotropic genes controlling multiple traits.These candidate genes illustrated the potential for the genetic understanding of yield and oil quality traits.Most importantly,these significant markers can be used for marker-assisted breeding of oilseed rape in different environments.

Effect of HMW-GS 6 + 8 and 1.5 + 10 from Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat on Wheat Quality Traits

To determine the effect of 6 ＋ 8 and 1.5 ＋ 10 HMW-GS of synthetic hexaploid wheat （SHW） on main quality parameters of wheat, a set of recombinant inbred lines （RILs） derived from the cross between a SHW with N, 6 ＋ 8, 1.5 ＋ 10 HMW-GS and a cultivar Chuanyu 12-1 （CY 12-1） with 1, 7 ＋ 8, 2 ＋ 12 were planted in three environments in 2005 and 2006 and totally 16 quality parameters were tested for each line. Significant differences in all tested quality parameters but flour yield were observed between the two parents. The mean values of the RILs were intermediate to the parents for grain and protein parameters and some farinograph parameters, flour water absorption （FWA）, and farinograph softening （SOF） but beyond parents at dough stability time （DST）, breakdown time （BRT）, quality number （QN）, noodle score （NS）, and loaf volume （LOV）. All of the quality traits, especially in grain hardness （GH）, zeleny sedimentation volume （SED）, and most of farinograph parameters had significant difference between the different HMW-GS components. The effects of different alleles of HMW-GS at same locus （Glu-A1 or Glu-B1 or GIu-D1） on the different quality parameters were also different and affected by the other two loci. For most of parameters tested, 6 ＋ 8 was better than 7 ＋ 8 and there was no difference between 1.5 ＋ 10 and 2 ＋ 12. End-use quality was greatly influenced by components of HMW-GS. The components of 1, 6 ＋ 8, 1.5 ＋ 10 had the highest LOV and bread score （BS） values, whereas the components of 1, 7＋ 8 and 1.5 ＋ 10 had the highest NS values. Noodle score performed a positive linear relationship with falling number （FN） and its relationships to other quality parameters were affected by environments. Loaf volume had a significant negative relationship to SOF and positive associations with most of quality parameters. It could be concluded that HMW-GS 6＋ 8 from SHW had better overall quality characteristics than 7 ＋ 8, whereas the effects of 1.5 ＋ 10 on quality was different in respect to quality parameters and the HMW-GS components. Synthetic hexaploid wheat with subunits 6 ＋ 8 and 1.5 ＋ 10 had the potentials to improve the end-use quality of wheat cultivars.

Identification of QTLs Conferring Agronomic and Quality Traits in Hexaploid Wheat

The availability of elite germplasm resources with high yield and quality potentials is very important for development of cultivars in wheat. Thus, seeking such resources has been the continuous effort of breeder community. In this study, genetic analysis of a novel resource, Triticum spelta line CSCR6, from Australia was made by use of a recombination inbred line （RIL） population of 82 individuals from the cross between CSCR6 and another Australian hexaploid wheat cultivar, Lang. Data of a multiple environmental test was employed to genetically dissect quantitative trait loci （QTL） for agronomic traits such as plant height （PH）, spike length （SL）, spikelet per spike （SPI）, grain number per spike （GNS） and thousand grains weight （TGW） and for quality traits including grain protein content （GPC）, gluten content （GC）, grain hardness （GH）, falling number （FN） and sedimentation value （SV）. A 24 QTLs with additive effects were detected for all the investigated traits, and were located on chromosomes 1B, 1D, 2B, 3A, 3B, 3D, 4B, 5A, 5B, 7A, and 7B, respectively. Some QTLs located on 2B and 4B showed higher explanation of phenotypic variances and were not obviously interacted with environment. A QTL in the marker interval of wPT-5334-wPT-4918 （near the locus barc 0199） on 4B gave the highest contribution ratio of 30.76% on PH, while Qgpc-4B and Qgc-4B gave 13.07 and 14.70% contribution ratio on GPC and GC, respectively. Qph-2B, Qgns-2B, and Qgpc-2B showed 13.36, 10.00, and 10.79% contribution ratio on PH, GNS and GPC, respectively. Also, a QTL on 5A, Qsl- 5A, could explain 25.12% of phenotypic variance on SL. For most of agronomic and quality traits, CSCR6 alleles produced increase effects. The fact that a number of loci affecting the investigated traits were detected in T. spelta line CSCR6 revealed that it could offer a new opportunity for the manipulation of these traits in wheat breeding programs.

QTL Mapping for Quality Traits of Chinese Dry Noodle

The QTLs for quality traits of Chinese dry noodle （CDN） were mapped based on a population of recombinant inbred lines （RILs） derived from the cross between two Chinese winter wheat varieties, Chuan 35050 and Shannong 483. Sensory quality traits of CDN were tested according to the standard of Ministry of Commerce of P.R.China （SB/T 10137-93）, and the textural property traits were detected using a texture analyser （TA.XTplus）. We have obtained 8 putative QTLs for 6 sensory quality traits and 2 QTLs for textural property of CDN with a single QTL explainning 4.07-75.67% of phenotypic variations on chromosomes 1A, 1 D, 3D, 4A, and 6D. A cluster of 3 QTLs for palate, elasticity and smoothness of CDN was found near the Glu-D I locus on chromosome 1D with high contributions, The increasing effect come from Chuan 35050, and the relationship between the QTLs were positive. On chromosome 4A, co-location QTLs for stickiness and total score were detected in the region of Xwmc420-Xswes620-Xswes615. Their contributions were high and the increasing effects come from Shannong 483. A taste QTL QStas.sdau-4A.1 was obtained in Xsrap18-Xswes624c-Xissr25b-Xissr23b on chromosome 4A with the highest contribution of 75.67%. This QTL was a major gene and the increasing effects come from Shannong 483.

The influence of drought stress on malt quality traits of the wild and cultivated barleys

As a major abiotic stress,drought causes instability and deterioration of malt barley quality.There is distinct difference among barley cultivars in the responses of the main malt quality traits to drought stress.In the previous study,we identified some Tibetan wild barley accessions with relatively less change of malt quality traits under drought.In this study,we examined the impact of drought stress during grain filling stage on grain weight and several important malt quality traits,including total protein content,β-glucan content,limit dextrinase activity,β-amylase activity,and protein fractions in four barley genotypes(two Tibetan wild accessions and two cultivars).Drought treatment reduced grain weight,β-glucan content,and increased total protein content,β-amylase activity.These changes differed among barley genotypes and treatments,and are closely associated with grain filling process and kernel weight.All the results indicated Tibetan wild barley had great potential for developing drought tolerant barley cultivars.Relatively stable kernel weight or filling process under water stress should be highlighted in malt barley breeding in order to reduce the effect of water stress on malt barley quality.

QTL Analysis for Seven Quality Traits of RIL Population in Japonica Rice Based on Three Genetic Statistical Models

QTL mapping for seven quality traits was conducted by using 254 recombinant inbred lines （RIL） derived from a japonica-japonica rice cross of Xiushui 79/C Bao. The seven traits investigated were grain length （GL）, grain length to width ratio （LWR）, chalk grain rate （CGR）, chalkiness degree （CD）, gelatinization temperature （GT）, amylose content （AC） and gel consistency （GC） of head rice. Three mapping methods employed were composite interval mapping in QTLMapper 2.0 software based on mixed linear model （MCIM）, inclusive composite interval mapping in QTL IciMapping 3.0 software based on stepwise regression linear model （ICIM） and multiple interval mapping with regression forward selection in Windows QTL Cartographer 2.5 based on multiple regression analysis （MIMR）. Results showed that five QTLs with additive effect （A-QTLs） were detected by all the three methods simultaneously, two by two methods simultaneously, and 23 by only one method. Five A-QTLs were detected by MCIM, nine by ICIM and 28 by MIMR. The contribution rates of single A-QTL ranged from 0.89% to 38.07%. All the QTLs with epistatic effect （E-QTLs） detected by MIMR were not detected by the other two methods. Fourteen pairs of E-QTLs were detected by both MCIM and ICIM, and 142 pairs of E-QTLs were detected by only one method. Twenty-five pairs of E-QTLs were detected by MCIM, 141 pairs by ICIM and four pairs by MIMR. The contribution rates of single pair of E-QTL were from 2.60% to 23.78%. In the Xiu-Bao RIL population, epistatic effect played a major role in the variation of GL and CD, and additive effect was the dominant in the variation of LWR, while both epistatic effect and additive effect had equal importance in the variation of CGR, AC, GT and GC. QTLs detected by two or more methods simultaneously were highly reliable, and could be applied to improve the quality traits in japonica hybrid rice.

QTL and genetic analysis controlling fiber quality traits using paternal backcross population in upland cotton

Background:Genetic improvement in fiber quality is one of the main challenges for cotton breeders.Quantitative trait loci(QTL)mapping provides a powerful approach to dissect the molecular mechanism in fiber quality traits.In present study,F14 recombinant inbred line(RIL)population was backcrossed to paternal parent for a paternal backcross(BC/P)population,deriving from one upland cotton hybrid.Three repetitive BC/P field trials and one maternal backcross(BC/M)field trial were performed including both two BC populations and the original RIL population.Results:In total,24 novel QTLs are detected for fiber quality traits and among which 13 QTLs validated previous results.Thirty-five QTLs in BC/P populations explain 5.01%–22.09%of phenotype variation(PV).Among the 35 QTLs,23 QTLs are detected in BC/P population alone.Present study provides novel alleles of male parent for fiber quality traits with positive genetic effects.Particularly,qFS-Chr3–1 explains 22.09%of PV in BC/P population,which increaseds 0.48 cN·tex−1 for fiber strength.A total of 7,2,8,2 and 6 QTLs explain over 10.00%of PV for fiber length,fiber uniformity,fiber strength,fiber elongation and fiber micronaire,respectively.In RIL population,six common QTLs are detected in more than one environment:qFL-Chr1–2,qFS-Chr5–1,qFS-Chr9–1,qFS-Chr21–1,qFM-Chr9–1 and qFM-Chr9–2.Two common QTLs of qFE-Chr2–2(TMB2386-SWU12343)and qFM-Chr9–1(NAU2873-CGR6771)explain 22.42%and 21.91%of PV.The region between NAU4034 and TMB1296 harbor 30 genes(379 kb)in A05 and 42 genes(49 kb)in D05 for fiber length along the QTL qFL-Chr5–1 in BC/P population,respectively.In addition,a total of 142 and 46 epistatic QTLs and QTL×environments(E-QTLs and QQEs)are identified in recombinant inbred lines in paternal backcross(RIL-P)and paternal backcross(BC/P)populations,respectively.Conclusions:The present studies provide informative basis for improving cotton fiber quality in different populations.

QTL Mapping for Fiber Quality Traits Based on a Dense Genetic Linkage Map with SSR,TRAP,SRAP and AFLP Markers in Cultivated Tetraploid Cotton

Cotton is one of the most important economic crops in the world,and it provides natural fiber for the textile industry.With the advancement of the textile technology and increased consumption demands on cotton fiber,both cotton yield and quality should be enhanced.However,cotton yield

Identification of candidate genes controlling fiber quality traits in upland cotton through integration of meta-QTL,significant SNP and transcriptomic data

Background:Meta-analysis of quantitative trait locus(QTL)is a computational technique to identify consensus QTL and refine QTL positions on the consensus map from multiple mapping studies.The combination of meta-QTL intervals,significant SNPs and transcriptome analysis has been widely used to identify candidate genes in various plants.Results:In our study,884 QTLs associated with cotton fiber quality traits from 12 studies were used for meta-QTL analysis based on reference genome TM-1,as a result,74 meta-QTLs were identified,including 19 meta-QTLs for fiber length;18 meta-QTLs for fiber strength;11 meta-QTLs for fiber uniformity;11 meta-QTLs for fiber elongation;and 15 meta-QTLs for micronaire.Combined with 8589 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms associated with fiber quality traits collected from 15 studies,297 candidate genes were identified in the meta-QTL intervals,20 of which showed high expression levels specifically in the developing fibers.According to the function annotations,some of the 20 key candidate genes are associated with the fiber development.Conclusions:This study provides not only stable QTLs used for marker-assisted selection,but also candidate genes to uncover the molecular mechanisms for cotton fiber development.

Analysis of genetic effects and correlations for nutrient quality traits of indica rice in different environments

Understanding the variation for the expressionof genes in different environments is one of themajor goals in qualitative genetics. In this pa-per, the genetic models for quantitative traitsof endosperm in cereal crops were used to eval-uate the seed, cytoplasm and maternal geneticeffects as well as the genotype × environment(GE) interaction effects, and to predict thebreeding value of parents and genotypic corre-lation for nutrient quality traits of indica rice (Oryza sativa L.).

Molecular Markers in Improvement of Fiber Quality Traits in Cotton

Cotton is the worlds leading natural fiber crop,and it is the cornerstone of textile industries worldwide.The cotton industry is confronted with problems in cost of production and

Analysis of genetic relationships between grain milling quality traits and plant agronomic traits of rice

Since seed and maternal plant are in different generations,the grain milling traits and plant agronomic traits of rice are based on differentgenetic models.Using the genetic modelswhich could estimate covariance componentsbetween two traits with unequal design matri-ces,we analyzed the gentic relationships be-

Genetic analysis of quality traits in intersubspecies crosses of rice

Indica and japonica rices are two subspecies ofAsia cultivated rice.Their grain qualities exista significant difference.The objective of thispaper is to study the genetic control of qualitytraits in intersubspecies crosses of rice.In 1991,4 japonica varieties with widecompatibility,PC311,Zhenxiqiuguang,Lun-hui 422,and Ce 03 were crossed with 5 indicavarieties,3037,Zaoxiandang 18,IR36,Minghui 63,and Yangdao 4 according to NC(?)design.The 20 hybrids using japonica as ma-

Correlation and variability analysis of yield and quality related traits in different peanut varieties across various ecological zones of China

Peanut cultivation in China spans various ecological zones, each with unique environmental conditions. Identifying suitable peanut varieties for these regions has been challenging due to significant phenotypic variations observed across environments. This study, based on a comprehensive analysis of 256 peanut varieties, selected nine representative varieties(Huayu23, Yuanza9102, Silihong, Wanhua2, Zhonghua6, Zhonghua16, Zhonghua21,Zhonghua215, Zhonghua24) for cultivation in five distinct ecological zones including Chengdu, Hefei, Nanjing,Shijiazhuang, and Wuhan. The yield and quality related phenotypic traits of these varieties were thoroughly assessed, revealing a complex interplay between genetic and environmental factors. Principal component analysis(PCA) effectively distinguished varieties based on yield and quality traits. Strong correlations were observed between specific traits, such as seed size and quality components. The G × E interaction was evident, as some varieties consistently performed better in certain environments. Varieties with lower coefficient of variation(CV)values exhibited stable trait expression, making them reliable choices for broad cultivation. In contrast, varieties with higher CV values displayed greater sensitivity to environmental fluctuations, potentially due to specific genetic factors. Two high oleic acid varieties, Zhonghua24 and Zhonghua215, demonstrated remarkable stability in oleic acid content across diverse environments, suggesting the presence of genetic mechanisms that buffer against environmental variations. Overall, this study underscores the importance of selecting peanut varieties based on their adaptability and performance in specific ecological zones. These findings provide valuable insights for peanut breeders and farmers, facilitating informed decisions for improved crop production and quality.

Effects of La^（3+）on yield and quality traits of wheat with different gluten types

To test the roles of La3＋ on yield and quality of wheat for different end uses, experiments were conducted using split-plot design for different La3＋ treatments as main plot and different gluten types of wheat as subplot, by foliar spraying La3＋ at jointing stage and filling stage. The results showed that spraying 0.5–1.5 mmol/L La3＋ increased the yield and 1000-kernel weight of wheat of different gluten types. The protein content of strong-gluten wheat Wanmai 33 increased after spraying 0.5–1.5 mmol/L La3＋, which made it achieve the good quality standard of strong-gluten wheat, whereas its LOX and PPO activity reduced, the carotenoid content increased. These La3＋ treatments prolonged the storage period of grain, improved flour nutritional value and the food processing quality. Spraying 0.5–1.5 mmol/L La3＋ also increased flour peak viscosity of medium-gluten wheat Yangmai 158, as improving its starch properties. Spraying La3＋ significantly decreased flour water absorption rate of weak gluten type variety Wanmai 48 to meet the weak-gluten flour standard. The total pentosan content reduced at 1–1.5 mmol/L La3＋, which would be good for making biscuit. Results suggested that spraying appropriate concentration of La3＋ increased wheat yield and benefited wheat quality for different end uses.

Association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms in Exon 3 of Porcine LMCD1 Gene with Meat Quality and Carcass Traits

LIM domain proteins are found to be important regulators in cell growth, cell fate determination, cell differentiation, and remodelling of the cell cytoskeleton by their interaction with some structural proteins, kinases, transcriptional regulators, etc. The presence of LIM domains in LMCD1 gene implies it may be involved in skeletal muscle protein-protein interactions. This study was to investigate polymorphisms of LIM and cysteine-rich domain 1 （LMCD1） gene and its effect on meat quality and carcass traits in pig. The polymorphism （G294A） in exon 3 region of porcine LMCD1 gene, which is synonymous mutation, was genotyped in the population of 178 F, pigs of a Large White × Meishan resource family. Statistical results indicated the distribution of allele G （with a A → G mutation） and A （without mutation）. Analysis of variance showed that the polymorphism of LMCD1 gene was associated with variation in several carcass traits of interest for pig breeding. Some carcass traits and meat quality traits are close to significance by association. An analysis of more animals is necessary to analyze the polymorphisms in exon 3 of porcine LMCD1 gene if it was selected as a marker for the pig carcass traits.

A genome-wide association study of five meat quality traits in Yorkshire pigs

Meat quality is an important trait in the pig industry.To identify genomic regions and haplotype blocks responsible for meat quality traits in pigs,a genome-wide association study was conducted for five traits including intramuscular fat content,pH at 45 min and 24 h,drip loss within 24 h and water-holding capacity in 231 Yorkshire barrows using illumina porcine 60k SNP chips.The results showed that a total of 344 single nucleotide polymorphisms(SNP)were significantly associated with five meat quality traits(P<1×10^(–4)).Moreover,323 SNPs were within the reported QTL regions,of which 21 were novel.Also,158 SNPs fell into the proximal region of meat quality related genes.In addition,25 haplotype blocks based on 116 SNPs were revealed with SNP combination patterns for five traits.Our study added new SNP information for identification of meat quality traits in pigs and will help elucidate the mechanisms of meat quality in pigs.

Effects of Different Nitrogen Fertilizer Levels on Fe,Mn,Cu and Zn Concentrations in Shoot and Grain Quality in Rice (Oryza sativa)

In a pot experiment, effects of N fertilizer application on the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in shoot of rice and the quality of brown rice were studied. In the treatments with N fertilizer application, the concentrations of Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn in most parts of rice shoot increased compared with control （no N fertilizer application）. This indicated that the transportation ability of microelements from root to shoot in rice was improved with N fertilizer application. Effect of N fertilizer on IR68144 was similar to that of on IR64, but the concentrations of the microelements in plant differed, suggesting that the characteristic expression of the two rice genotypes was not controlled by the amount of N fertilizer supplied. The concentrations of those microelements in brown rice increased at first and then decreased with increasing N fertilizer application, reaching the highest at 160 kg/ha, at which the Fe, Mn, Cu and Zn concentrations in brown rice increased by 28.96%, 41.34%, 58.31% and 16.0% for IR64, and by 22.16%, 13.75%, 8.75% and 20.21% for IR68144 compared with control, respectively. Moreover, N fertilizer promoted the accumulation of protein, decreased the accumulation of amylose in grain, and enhanced gel consistency of brown rice. These results indicate that appropriate N fertilizer management could increase micronutrient contents in grain and improve nutrition quality of rice.