Associations between microsatellite markers and wheat quality parameters

Abstract

Wheat quality is a complex collection of traits affected by various loci on multiple chromosomes. This study was conducted in order to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) related to most commonly used quality parameters, protein content (PC) and sedimentation value (SED). For this purpose association analysis between SSR molecular markers and quality traits was performed on a selected sample of 94 diverse wheat genotypes. Quality parameters were determined during five years (2007-2011). Microsatellite markers located near targeted QTLs were carefully chosen in accordance with existing literature data. Genomic DNA was extracted from seedlings using CTAB method and PCR products were separated by capillary electrophoresis. The population structure was estimated in Structure v.2.0. software and association analysis was performed in the program Tassel. Significant marker-trait associations (MTAs) were found for the both quality parameters. The markers WMC31 and GWM18 showed significant and stabile associations with QTLs for PC and SED, respectively. Our results demonstrated that association analysis could complement and enhance previous QTL information and provide very useful information for marker-assisted selection.