Detection of QTLs with Additive Effects, Epistatic Effects, and QTL × Environment Interactions for Zeleny Sedimentation Value Using a Doubled Haploid Population in Cultivated Wheat

In order to understand the genetic basis for Zeleny sedimentation value （ZSV） of wheat, a doubled haploid （DH） population Huapei 3 × Yumai 57 （Yumai 57 is superior to Huapei 3 for ZSV）, and a linkage map consisting of 323 marker loci were used to search QTLs for ZSV. This program was based on mixed linear models and allowed simultaneous mapping of additive effect QTLs, epistatic QTLs, and QTL x environment interactions （QEs）. The DH population and the parents were evaluated for ZSV in three field trials. Mapping analysis produced a total of 8 QTLs and 2 QEs for ZSV with a single QTL explaining 0.64-14.39% of phenotypic variations. Four additive QTLs, 4 pairs of epistatic QTLs, and two QEs collectively explained 46.11% of the phenotypic variation （PVE）. This study provided a precise location of ZSV gene within the Xwmc 93 and GluD1 interval, which was designated as Qzsv-1D. The information obtained in this study should be useful for manipulating the QTLs for ZSV by marker assisted selection （MAS） in wheat breeding programs.

Mapping QTLs for Heat Tolerance in Rice (Oryza sativa L. ) at Heading Stage Using Chromosome Segment Substitution Lines

In the present study, a japonica rice （ Oryza sativa L. ） variety Nipponbare, an indica variety 9311 and a set of chromosome segment substitution lines （CSSLs） which were generated using Nipponbare as the recipient parent and 9311 as the donor parent were used as the experimental materials. The CSSLs were grown in 2012 （normal temperature condition） and 2013 （high temperature condition） in Yangzhou, Jiangsu, and were used to map the quantitative trait loci （QTLs） for heat tolerance, based on the heat tolerance index [ （The seed setting rate under normal temperature condition -The seed setting rate under high temper- ature condition） / The seed setting rate under normal temperature condition]. As a result, three QTLs related to heat tolerance in rice were mapped on chromo- somes 2, 4 and 12, respectively. They had LOD （logarithm of rntds） scores of 2.56, 4.02 and 2.79, and contributian rates of 4.95%, 7.99% and 5.44%. Among them, qHT12.1 showed positive effect, while qHT2.1 and qHT4. t showed negative effect on heat tolerance. The results lay a foundation for the fine mapping and cloning of the QTLs and genes related to heat tolerance, and for the breeding of heat-tolerant rice varieties.

Advanced Backcross QTL Analysis for the Whole Plant Growth Duration Salt Tolerance in Rice(Oryza sativa L.)

Salinity is a major factor limiting rice yield in coastal areas of Asia. To facilitate breeding salt tolerant rice varieties, the wholeplant growth duration salt tolerance（ST） was genetically dissected by phenotyping two sets of BC2F5 introgression lines（ILs） for four yield traits under severe natural salt stress and non-stress filed conditions using SSR markers and the methods of advanced backcross QTL（AB-QTL） analysis and selective introgression. Many QTLs affecting four yield traits under salt stress and nonstress conditions were identified, most（〉90%） of which were clustered in 13 genomic regions of the rice genome and involved in complex epistasis. Most QTLs affecting yield traits were differentially expressed under salt stress and non-stress conditions. Our results suggested that genetics complementarily provides an adequate explanation for the hidden genetic diversity for ST observed in both IL populations. Some promising Huanghuazhan（HHZ） ILs with favorable donor alleles at multiple QTLs and significantly improved yield traits under salt stress and non-stress conditions were identified, providing excellent materials and relevant genetic information for improving rice ST by marker-assisted selection（MAS） or genome selection.

Toward understanding genetic mechanisms of complex traits in rice

Rice is the primary carbohydrate staple cereal feeding the world population. Many genes, known as quantitative trait loci （QTLs）, con- trol most of the agronomically important traits in rice. The identification of QTLs controlling agricultural traits is vital to increase yield and meet the needs of the increasing human population, but the progress met with challenges due to complex QTL inheritance. To date, many QTLs have been detected in rice, including those responsible for yield and grain quality; salt, drought and submergence tolerance; disease and insect resistance; and nutrient utilization efficiency. Map-based cloning techniques have enabled scientists to successfully fine map and clone approximately seventeen QTLs for several traits. Additional in-depth functional analyses and characterizations of these genes will provide valuable assistance in rice molecular breeding.