Domestication quantitative trait loci in Triticum dicoccoides, the progenitor of wheat

Proc Natl Acad Sci U S A. 2003 Mar 4;100(5):2489-94. doi: 10.1073/pnas.252763199. Epub 2003 Feb 25.

Abstract

Wild emmer wheat, Triticum dicoccoides, is the progenitor of modern tetraploid and hexaploid cultivated wheats. Our objective was to map domestication-related quantitative trait loci (QTL) in T. dicoccoides. The studied traits include brittle rachis, heading date, plant height, grain size, yield, and yield components. Our mapping population was derived from a cross between T. dicoccoides and Triticum durum. Approximately 70 domestication QTL effects were detected, nonrandomly distributed among and along chromosomes. Seven domestication syndrome factors were proposed, each affecting 5-11 traits. We showed: (i) clustering and strong effects of some QTLs; (ii) remarkable genomic association of strong domestication-related QTLs with gene-rich regions; and (iii) unexpected predominance of QTL effects in the A genome. The A genome of wheat may have played a more important role than the B genome during domestication evolution. The cryptic beneficial alleles at specific QTLs derived from T. dicoccoides may contribute to wheat and cereal improvement.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Alleles
  • Chromosome Mapping
  • Chromosomes
  • Evolution, Molecular*
  • Genetic Linkage
  • Genotype
  • Models, Genetic
  • Phenotype
  • Quantitative Trait Loci*
  • Time Factors
  • Triticum / classification*
  • Triticum / genetics*