Genetic mapping and candidate gene identification for key physiological traits associated with heat tolerance in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) using a MAGIC population.

ABSTRACT: A comprehensive evaluation of 248 MAGIC population-derived wheat lines and their eight founder lines revealed significant genetic variation and adaptive diversity for key physiological traits- NDVI_1-3, SPAD chlorophyll content, canopy temperature (CT), and chlorophyll fluorescence (Fv/Fm UP and LW) under timely sown (TSIR) and late-sown (LSIR) irrigated conditions across multiple locations. Genotypes under TSIR exhibited higher canopy greenness, chlorophyll stability, and photosynthetic efficiency, whereas LSIR induced elevated CT and reduced SPAD, indicating genotypic differences in heat tolerance. Correlation and PCA analyses showed strong interrelationships among traits, with NDVI positively correlated with SPAD and Fv/Fm (r = 0.52-0.86) and negatively with CT (r = -0.13 to -0.60). PCA

SUBMITTER: Bag A 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12758712 | biostudies-literature | 2026

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature