QTL analysis and candidate gene identification for plant height in cotton based on an interspecific backcross inbred line population of Gossypium hirsutum × Gossypium barbadense

Key message We constructed the first high-quality and high-density genetic linkage map for an interspecific BIL population in cotton by specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing for QTL mapping. A novel gene GhPIN3 for plant height was identified in cotton. Abstract Ideal plant height (PH) is important for improving lint yield and mechanized harvesting in cotton. Most published genetic studies on cotton have focused on fibre yield and quality traits rather than PH. To facilitate the understanding of the genetic basis in PH, an interspecific backcross inbred line (BIL) population of 250 lines derived from upland cotton ( Gossypium hirsutum L.) CRI36 and Egyptian cotton ( G. barbadense L.) Hai7124 was used to construct a high-density genetic linkage map for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping. The high-density genetic map harboured 7,709 genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS)-based single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers that covered 3,433.24 cM with a mean marker interval of 0.67 cM. In total, ten PH QTLs were identified and each explained 4.27–14.92% of the phenotypic variation, four of which were stable as they were mapped in at least two tests or based on best linear unbiased prediction in seven field tests. Based on functional annotation of orthologues in Arabidopsis and transcriptome data for the genes within the stable QTL regions, GhPIN3 encoding for the hormone auxin efflux carrier protein was identified as a candidate gene located in the stable QTL qPH-Dt1-1 region. A qRT-PCR analysis showed that the expression level of GhPIN3 in apical tissues was significantly higher in four short-statured cotton genotypes than that in four tall-statured cotton genotypes. Virus-induced gene silencing cotton has significantly increased PH when the expression of the GhPIN3 gene was suppressed.