Mapping genes for grain protein concentration and grain yield on chromosome 5B of Triticum turgidum (L.) var. dicoccoides

Grain protein concentration (GPC) is an important quality factor in durum wheat [Triticum turgidum (L.) var. durum]. Due to the strong environmental influence on GPC, molecular markers linked to quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting GPC have the potential to be valuable in wheat breeding programs. Various quantitative traits in a population of 133 recombinant inbred chromosome lines were studied in replicated trials at three locations in North Dakota. Segregation for GPC, 1000-kernel weight, gluten strength, heading date, and plant height was observed. By relating phenotypic data to a linkage map obtained from the same population, three QTL affecting GPC, and one affecting yield were identified. The genotypic coefficients of determination for both traits were high.