A new genetic linkage map in einkorn wheat (Triticum monococcum) detects two major QTLs for heading date in chromosome 2A and 5A, probably corresponding to the photoperiod and vernalization genes

Abstract

Einkorn harbours a wide range of genetic diversity for agronomically important traits. Heading date is one of the important traits for the adaptation of wheat species to various climatic conditions and the cultivation in diverse regions and seasons. In this study, DArTseq and SSR marker-based linkage map of einkorn wheat was constructed using 150 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from a cross between ID1623 and MONLIS. The linkage map involved 865 SNP, 787 Silico-DArT and 16 SSR DNA markers mapped to 741 loci in seven linkage groups and covered 1158.54 cM with an average density of 1.56 cM/locus. Four QTLs associated with heading date, detected in all environments by composite interval mapping (CIM), were positioned across the 2A, 5A and 7A einkorn wheat chromosomes. Two major and stable QTLs, QThd-2A.2 and QThd 5A.1, were identified on chromosomes 2A and 5A, respectively. These QTLs probably coincide with photoperiod and vernalization genes in accordance with previously published maps. The new map will facilitate quantitative trait locus mapping, map-based cloning and comparative genomics in wheat species.