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Detection of QTL for forage yield, lodging resistance and spring vigor traits in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.)

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Abstract

Alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.) is an internationally significant forage crop. Forage yield, lodging resistance and spring vigor are important agronomic traits conditioned by quantitative genetic and environmental effects. The objective of this study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) and molecular markers associated with increased forage yield, resistance to lodging, and spring vigor. A backcross population composed of 128 progeny was developed by crossing the breeding parents DW000577 (lodging susceptible) and NL002724 (lodging-resistant) and back-crossing an individual F1 plant to the maternal parent (i.e. DW000577). A linkage map of NL002724 was developed based upon the segregation of 236 AFLP, SRAP, and SSR markers among the backcross progeny. The markers were distributed among 14 linkage groups, covering an estimated recombination distance of 1497.6 centiMorgans (cM). Replicated clones of both parents and backcross progeny were evaluated in the field for estimated forage yield, lodging, and spring vigor in Washington and Wisconsin during 2007 and 2008. Significant QTL were found for all three traits. In particular, two QTL for lodging resistance were identified that explained ≥14 % of trait variation, and were significant in all years and locations. Major QTL explaining over 25 % of trait variation for forage yield were detected in multiple environments at two separate locations on chromosome III. Several QTL for spring vigor were located in the same or similar positions as QTL for forage yield, possibly explaining the significant correlation between these traits. Molecular markers associated with the aforementioned QTL were also identified.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. USDA-ARS Sugarcane Field Station, 12990 Highway 441, Canal Point, FL, 33438, USA

    Per McCord & Vanessa Gordon

  2. Department of Crop and Soil Science, Washington State University, PO Box 646420, Pullman, WA, 99164-6420, USA

    Gopesh Saha

  3. Department of Microbiology, University of Manitoba, 418 Buller Building, Winnipeg, MB R3T 2N2, Canada

    Jacqueline Hellinga

  4. USDA-ARS Grain Legume Genetics & Physiology Research Unit, 303 Johnson Hall, Pullman, WA, 99164-6434, USA

    George Vandemark

  5. Irrigated Agriculture Research and Extension Center, Washington State University, 24106 N. Bunn Road, Prosser, WA, 99350, US

    Richard Larsen

  6. DuPont Pioneer, W8131 St. Highway 60, Arlington, WI, 53911, USA

    Mark Smith & David Miller

Authors
  1. Per McCord
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  2. Vanessa Gordon
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  3. Gopesh Saha
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  4. Jacqueline Hellinga
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  5. George Vandemark
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  6. Richard Larsen
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  7. Mark Smith
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  8. David Miller
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Correspondence to Per McCord.

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McCord, P., Gordon, V., Saha, G. et al. Detection of QTL for forage yield, lodging resistance and spring vigor traits in alfalfa (Medicago sativa L.). Euphytica 200, 269–279 (2014). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-014-1160-y

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10681-014-1160-y

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