Identification of a microsatellite on chromosome 7B showing a strong linkage with yellow pigment in durum wheat (Triticum turgidum L. var. durum)

The objective of this study is to identify QTLs linked to yellow pigment content in durum wheat. A durum-dicoccoides genetic linkage map was constructed using 124 microsatellites, 149 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLPs), and six seed storage proteins (SSP) in a population of 114 recombinant inbred lines (178). The population has been obtained from a cross between a durum cultivar Omrabi5 and Triticum dicoccoides 600545 and backcrossed to Omrabi5. The map consists of 14-durum chromosomes plus an unknown group; and shows a good synteny to the previously published wheat maps. Yellow pigment was measured in the population in three different locations during 3 seasons. Analysis of QTLs was based on simple and simplified composite interval mapping (SIM and sCIM). Three QTLs for yellow pigment were detected on the chromosomal group 7 (7AL and 7BL telomeres) explaining 62% of the total variation. On 7BL, a major microsatellite (Xgwm 344) explained by itself 53%, whereas on 7AL, the other two QTLs have contributed 13 and 6%. All determined QTLs showed a strong genetic effect and a weak QTL x E effect. The QTLs effect was consistent across all environments and showed a large effect. Consequently, promising QTLs will be used in the marker assisted breeding program to enhance the selection efficiency for yellow pigment.