Construction of a high density genetic map and QTL mapping of PEG-induced drought tolerance at the early seedling stage in sesame using whole genome re-sequencing

Abstract BackgroundImprovement in sesame (Sesamum indicum L.) drought tolerance at seedling stage is important for yield stability. Genetic approaches combing with conventional breeding is the most effective way to develop drought-tolerant cultivars. So far, only a few studies have been reported to reveal gene/ quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling drought tolerance in sesame. To identify the genomic regions associated with drought tolerance, we constructed a high-density genetic map using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population through whole genome re-sequencing (WGRS) technique. QTLs contributing to three seedling traits were identified under both non-stress and water stress conditions.ResultsThree drought tolerance related traits and their relative values (the ratio of value under stress to value under control condition), including seedling weight (SW), shoot length (SL) and root length (RL), were evaluated under control and PEG-induced osmotic conditions at seedling stage in a RIL population derived from cross of Zhushanbai (ZSB) and Jinhuangma (JHM). Significant variation and high broad sense heritability were observed for all traits except SW under stress condition in the population. With this population, a high-density linkage map with 1354 bin markers was constructed through WGRS strategy. Composite interval mapping analysis was performed for all the traits as well as their relative phenotypic data. A total of 34 QTLs were detected for these traits under both conditions and their relative values, and 13 stable QTLs associated with seven traits were revealed in two independent experiments, explaining on average, 4.95-16.26% of phenotypic variation for each QTL. Four of them contributed more than 10% of phenotypic variation. One region on chromosome 12 contained two major QTLs related to RL under osmotic condition and relative RL. Seven candidate genes underlying major QTLs for drought tolerance were identified according to gene descriptions and variations between parents.ConclusionThe current study reports the first QTL mapping of drought tolerance related traits through a RIL population and first QTL detection of root related trait (root length) in sesame. These findings will provide new genetic resources for molecular improvement of drought tolerance and candidate gene identification in sesame.