Identification and mapping quantitative trait loci for stem reserve mobilisation in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis was carried out with a set of 114 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) from the International Triticeae Mapping Initiative (ITMI) population of 'W7984' x 'Opata 85' to identify genomic regions controlling traits related to post-anthesis drought tolerance of wheat (Triticum aestivion L.). In two experiments performed in Gatersleben in 2001 and 2003, the amount stem reserves mobilisation was estimated by measuring of changes in 1000-grain weight after chemical desiccation treatment. QTLs for stem reserves mobilisation (Srm) were mapped on chromosomes 2D, 5D and 7D. The mapping positions obtained in the present investigation are discussed with respect to studies on drought tolerance performed in wheat previously. QTLs for drought tolerance preferentially appeared in homoeologous regions at distal parts of the group 7 chromosomes.