Biology subjects

Weller, J. L.

Publications and source records attributed to Weller, J. L..

2 recordsLinked to original sources

bioRxiv2021

Genetic Basis for Lentil Adaptation to Summer Cropping in Northern Temperate Environments

The continued success of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) genetic improvement relies on the availability of broad genetic diversity and new alleles need to be identified and incorporated into the cultivated gene pool. Availability of robust and predictive markers greatly enhances the precise transfer of genomic regions from unadapted germplasm. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for key phenological traits in lentil were located using a recombinant inbreed line (RIL) population derived from a cross between an Ethiopian landrace (ILL 1704) and a northern temperate cultivar (CDC Robin). Field experiments were conducted at Sutherland research farm in Saskatoon and at Rosthern, Saskatchewan, Canada during 2018 and 2019. A linkage map was constructed using 21,634 SNPs located on seven linkage groups (LGs) which correspond to the seven haploid chromosomes of lentil. Eight QTL were identified for six phenological traits. Flowering related QTL were identified at two regions on LG6. FLOWERING LOCUS T (FT) genes were annotated within the flowering time QTL interval based on the lentil reference genome. Similarly, a major QTL for post-flowering developmental processes was located on LG5 with several senescence-associated genes annotated within the QTL interval. The flowering time QTL was validated in a different genetic background indicating the potential use of the identified markers for marker-assisted selection to precisely transfer genomic regions from exotic germplasm into elite crop cultivars without disrupting adaptation. Core IdeasO_LIStable QTL were located for key phenological traits in lentil that lead to regional adaptation. C_LIO_LIFT genes are candidates for controlling flowering time in lentil grown in temperate environments. C_LIO_LIA major locus controlling post-flowering developmental processes was located on lentil LG5 with several senescence-associated genes annotated within the QTL interval. C_LIO_LIMarkers identified in this study can be useful for marker-assisted selection to precisely transfer genomic regions from exotic germplasm into elite lentil cultivars without disrupting adaptation. C_LI

molecular biology↗

bioRxiv2021

Genetic and gene expression analysis of flowering time regulation by light quality in lentil

Flowering time is important due to its roles in adaptation to different environments and subsequent formation of crop yield. Changes in light quality affect a range of developmental processes including flowering time, however little is known about light quality induced flowering time control in lentil. This study aims to investigate the genetic basis for differences in flowering response to light quality in lentil. We explored variation in flowering time caused by changes in red/far-red related light quality environments of a lentil interspecific recombinant inbred line population developed from a cross between Lens culinaris cv. Lupa and L. orientalis accession BGE 016880. A genetic linkage map was constructed and then used for identifying QTL associated with flowering time regulation under different light quality environments. Differential gene expression analysis through transcriptomic study and RT-qPCR were used to identify potential candidate genes. QTL mapping located 13 QTLs controlling flower time under different light quality environments, with phenotypic variance explained ranging from 1.7 to 62.9%. Transcriptomic profiling and gene expression analysis for both parents of this interspecific RIL population identified flowering-related genes showing environment-specific differential expression (flowering DEGs). One of these, a member of the florigen gene family FTa1 (LcFTa1) was located close to 3 major QTLs. Furthermore, gene expression results suggests two other florigen genes (LcFTb1 and LcFTb2), MADS-box transcription factors like LcAGL6/13d, LcSVPb, LcSOC1b and LcFULb, as well as bHLH transcription factor LcPIF6 and Gibberellin 20 oxidase LcGA20oxC,G, may be involved in the light quality response as well. Our results show that a major component of flowering time sensitivity to light quality is tightly linked to LcFTa1 and associated with changes in its expression. This work provides a foundation for crop improvement of lentil with better adaptation to variable light environments.

plant biology↗