GWAS Reveals Stable Genetic Loci and Candidate Genes for Grain Protein Content in Wheat.

ABSTRACT: Grain protein content (GPC) is a key quality trait in wheat, determining both nutritional value and end-use functionality, yet its genetic architecture is complex and highly influenced by the environment. In this study, a diverse panel of 327 wheat accessions was evaluated for GPC across multiple environments. Significant phenotypic variation was observed, with best linear unbiased estimates (BLUEs) ranging from 12.80% to 18.79%, and a moderate broad-sense heritability (h² = 0.52) was estimated. Genotype-by-environment interactions were highly significant. Genome-wide association analysis using the FarmCPU model identified seven stable quantitative trait nucleotides (QTNs) associated with GPC on chromosomes 1A, 1B, 2A, 2D, 3B, 5A, and 6A. Among these, QGpc.yzu-2A w

SUBMITTER: Zhao Y 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12731824 | biostudies-literature | 2025 Nov

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature