Combining QTL mapping and RNA-Seq reveals candidate genes controlling flag leaf width in foxtail millet.

ABSTRACT:

Background

The flag leaf, a crucial component of plant architecture, significantly influences final grain yield in crops, including foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.). Optimizing flag leaf size is considered an effective strategy for enhancing grain yield potential under higher planting densities. However, the genetic mechanism underlying flag leaf size, particularly flag leaf width (FLW), remains largely unknown under varying planting densities in foxtail millet.

Results

An FLW phenotype variation analysis was conducted across multiple planting densities using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from Heizhigu (narrow leaf) and Changnong 35 (wide leaf). Based on a high-density genetic map with 3795 Bin markers, 11 flag leaf width (FLW) QTLs were identified on

SUBMITTER: Wang Z 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12512300 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature