Prediction of heterosis in the recent rapeseed (Brassica napus) polyploid by pairing parental nucleotide sequences

PLoS Genet. 2021 Nov 4;17(11):e1009879. doi: 10.1371/journal.pgen.1009879. eCollection 2021 Nov.

Abstract

The utilization of heterosis is a successful strategy in increasing yield for many crops. However, it consumes tremendous manpower to test the combining ability of the parents in fields. Here, we applied the genomic-selection (GS) strategy and developed models that significantly increase the predictability of heterosis by introducing the concept of a regional parental genetic-similarity index (PGSI) and reducing dimension in the calculation matrix in a machine-learning approach. Overall, PGSI negatively affected grain yield and several other traits but positively influenced the thousand-seed weight of the hybrids. It was found that the C subgenome of rapeseed had a greater impact on heterosis than the A subgenome. We drew maps with overviews of quantitative-trait loci that were responsible for the heterosis (h-QTLs) of various agronomic traits. Identifications and annotations of genes underlying high impacting h-QTLs were provided. Using models that we elaborated, combining abilities between an Ogu-CMS-pool member and a potential restorer can be simulated in silico, sidestepping laborious work, such as testing crosses in fields. The achievements here provide a case of heterosis prediction in polyploid genomes with relatively large genome sizes.

Publication types

  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Brassica napus / genetics*
  • Genetic Variation
  • Genome, Plant
  • Hybrid Vigor*
  • Models, Genetic
  • Polyploidy*
  • Quantitative Trait Loci

Grants and funding

LJ received grants (No, 32130076, 31961143008) from the National Natural Science Foundation of China (http://www.nsfc.gov.cn/), and a grant (No.2021C02057) from Zhejiang Provincial Key Research Projects (http://kjt.zj.gov.cn/). XC received a grant (2020ZY1019) from Local Scientific and Technological Development Projects Guided by Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (http://kjj.jinhua.gov.cn/). The cost of the study was covered by the above grants. The funders had no roles in the study design, data analysis, decision to publish, or preparation of the manuscript.