title: Using a Candidate Gene-Based Genetic Linkage Map to Identify QTL for Winter Survival in Perennial Ryegrass.
abstract: Important agronomical traits in perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne) breeding programs such as winter survival and heading date, are quantitative traits that are generally controlled by multiple loci. Individually, these loci have relatively small effects. The aim of this study was to develop a candidate gene based Illumina GoldenGate 1,536-plex assay, containing single nucleotide polymorphism markers designed from transcripts involved in response to cold acclimation, vernalization, and induction of flowering. The assay was used to genotype a mapping population that we have also phenotyped for winter survival to complement the heading date trait previously mapped in this population. A positive correlation was observed between strong vernalization requirement and winter survival, and some QTL for winter survival and heading date overlapped on the genetic map. Candidate genes were located in clusters along the genetic map, some of which co-localized with QTL for winter survival and heading date. These clusters of candidate genes may be used in candidate gene based association studies to identify alleles associated with winter survival and heading date.
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Slagelse, Denmark.
authors.forename: Cristiana
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Paina
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Slagelse, Denmark.
authors.forename: Stephen L
authors.initials: SL
authors.lastname: Byrne
authors.affiliation: Institute of Agricultural Sciences, ETH Zürich, Zürich, Switzerland.
authors.forename: Bruno
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Studer
authors.affiliation: Department of Plant and Environmental Sciences, Norwegian University of Life Sciences, Ås, Norway.
authors.forename: Odd Arne
authors.initials: OA
authors.lastname: Rognli
authors.affiliation: Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Science and Technology, Aarhus University, Slagelse, Denmark.
authors.forename: Torben
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Asp
mesh_terms: D000064:Acclimatization; D003080:Cold Temperature; D017343:Genes, Plant; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D008129:Lolium / Q000235:genetics* / Q000502:physiology*; D000069600:Plant Breeding; D020641:Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D012621:Seasons