Mapping of a major QTL associated with protein content on chromosome 2B in hard red winter wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.)

Abstract

A quantitative trait locus (QTL) controlling wheat grain protein content (GPC) and flour protein content (FPC) was identified using doubled haploid (DH) lines developed from a cross between the hard red winter wheat variety 'Yumechikara' with a high protein content used for bread making, and the soft red winter wheat 'Kitahonami' with a low protein content used for Japanese white salted noodles. A single major QTL, <i>QGpc.2B-yume</i>, was identified on the short arm of wheat chromosome 2<b>B</b> for both the GPC and FPC over 3 years of testing. <i>QGpc.2B-yume</i> was mapped on the flanking region of microsatellite marker <i>Xgpw4382</i>. The DH lines grouped by the haplotype of the closest flanking microsatellite marker <i>Xgpw4382</i> showed differences of 1.0% and 1.1% in mean GPC and FPC, respectively. Yield-component-related traits were not affected by the haplotype of <i>QGpc.2B-yume</i>, and major North American hard red winter wheat varieties showed the high-protein haplotype. Unlike <i>Gpc-B1</i> derived from tetraploid wheat, <i>QGpc.2B-yume</i> has no negative effects on yield-component-related traits and should be useful for wheat breeding to increase GPC and FPC.