A combined association mapping and t-test analysis of SNP loci and candidate genes involving in resistance to low nitrogen traits by a wheat mutant population

PLoS One. 2019 Jan 30;14(1):e0211492. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211492. eCollection 2019.

Abstract

Crop productivity is highly dependent on the application of N fertilizers, but ever-increasing N application is causing serious environmental impacts. To facilitate the development of new wheat cultivars that can thrive in low N growth conditions, key loci and genes associated with wheat responses to low N must be identified. In this GWAS and t-test study of 190 M6 mutant wheat lines (Jing 411-derived) based on genotype data from the wheat 660k SNP array, we identified a total of 221 significant SNPs associated four seedling phenotypic traits that have been implicated in resistance to low N: relative root length, relative shoot length, relative root weight, and relative shoot weight. Notably, we detected large numbers of significantly associated SNP in what appear to be genomic 'hotspots' for resistance to low N on chromosomes 2A and 6B, strongly suggesting that these regions are functionally related to the resistance phenotypes that we observed in some of the mutant lines. Moreover, the candidate genes, including genes encoding high-affinity nitrate transporter 2.1, gibberellin responsive protein, were identified for resistance to low N. This study raises plausible mechanistic hypotheses that can be evaluated in future applied or basic efforts by breeders or plant biologists seeking to develop new high-NUE wheat cultivars.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Chromosome Mapping / methods
  • Chromosomes, Plant / genetics
  • Genetic Markers
  • Genome, Plant
  • Genome-Wide Association Study
  • Genotype
  • Mutation*
  • Nitrogen / deficiency*
  • Phenotype
  • Plant Proteins / genetics*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / genetics*
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / growth & development
  • Plants, Genetically Modified / metabolism
  • Polymorphism, Single Nucleotide*
  • Quantitative Trait Loci*
  • Seedlings
  • Triticum / genetics*
  • Triticum / growth & development
  • Triticum / metabolism

Substances

  • Genetic Markers
  • Plant Proteins
  • Nitrogen

Grants and funding

This work was financially supported by The National Key Research and Development Program of China (Grant No. 2016YFD0101802 to LL) and the China Agriculture Research System (Grant No. CARS-03 to LL). The funders had no role in study design, data collection and analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.