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Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked with root growth in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seedlings

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Abstract

In-field variation of transplanted lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) due to variable soil and environmental conditions is one of the major restrictions in the optimization of production and yield. Marker-assisted breeding for lettuce varieties with a more rapid rooting phenotype has the potential to improve the performance of lettuce transplants. This study aimed to identify traits linked with increased primary root length, lateral root length and lateral root emergence in 14-day L. sativa seedlings from an intra-specific cross (Saladin × Iceberg). In total, 16 significant quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were associated with increased root growth traits that would allow direct introgression of the traits. Six of the QTLs were associated with increased primary root growth, accounting for 60.2% of the genetic variation for the trait. Three QTLs were associated with lateral root growth (38.6% of genetic variation); two QTLs were associated with lateral root length density (27.6% of genetic variation) and three with root number density (33.4% of genetic variation), and two QTLs were associated with mean lateral root length (21.1% of genetic variation). The statistical QTLs were located across 9 different linkage groups (LGs) representing loci on 7 of the 9 L. sativa chromosomes. A combination of restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLPs) and Kompetitive allele specific PCR (KASPs) markers linked to these rooting traits were identified, which could allow breeders to select for a rapid establishment phenotype.

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Acknowledgements

The research undertaken in this study was conducted primarily at Harper Adams University. A special thank you goes to Catherine Thomas who helped with the initial modification of the high-throughput platform for the use with lettuce seedlings, Rory Hayden for delivery of the equipment to Harper Adams University and Lolita Wilson for all her support at The University of Nottingham. Gratitude also goes to Shelley Roberts for her help with placement of the seedlings within the platform.

Funding

We would like to thank our collaborative funding bodies; Syngenta, Harper Adams University and the University of Nottingham and the Vegetable Genetic Improvement Network for providing the plant materials to use in this study.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Fresh Produce Research Centre, Crop and Environment Science Department, Harper Adams University, Newport, UK

    J. Roberts, D. Pink, P. Hand & J. M. Monaghan

  2. Plant and Crop Sciences Division, School of Biosciences, University of Nottingham, Nottingham, UK

    M. R. Broadley

  3. Applied Statistical Solutions Ltd, Leamington Spa, Warwickshire, CV33 9RJ, UK

    J. Lynn

Authors
  1. J. Roberts
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  2. M. R. Broadley
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  3. D. Pink
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  4. P. Hand
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  5. J. Lynn
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  6. J. M. Monaghan
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Contributions

JR: Carried out the main body of the research and main author of the paper.

JM: Principle research and paper advisory.

MRB: Secondary research and paper advisory.

DP: Secondary research and paper advisory.

PH: Principle advisory for QTL analysis and secondary paper advisory.

JL: Principle advisory for the statistical analysis of trait data.

Corresponding author

Correspondence to J. M. Monaghan.

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The authors declare that they have no conflict of interest.

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Key message

The study has identified genotypic variation for root growth traits within cultivated lettuce that will allow direct introgression of these traits into commercial cultivars for improved uniformity and establishment.

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Roberts, J., Broadley, M.R., Pink, D. et al. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) linked with root growth in lettuce (Lactuca sativa) seedlings. Mol Breeding 40, 8 (2020). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-019-1089-x

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-019-1089-x

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