ARS | Publication request: MAPPING QTL ASSOCIATED WITH EARLY-SEASON VIGOR AND COLD TOLERANCE IN SORGHUM

Submitted to: Agronomy Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: November 2, 2003
Publication Date: November 6, 2003
Citation: Burke, J.J., Pandravada, A., Tuinstral, M.R., Kofoid, K.D., Aiken, R., Payne, W., Wysocki, D., Chen, C., Mullet, J.E. 2003. Mapping qtl associated with early-season vigor and cold tolerance in sorghum[abstract]. Agronomy Abstracts.

Technical Abstract: Studies have shown that earaly planting of grain sorghum in temperate environments should contribute to better utilization of residual soil moisture in spring, lower pest infestation and lead to early harvest, while improving overall productivity. The crop possesses excellent drought and heat tolerance but is susceptible to low temperature stress, which limits its cultivation in cooler fringe areas. The objective was to evaluate the genetic basis of early season vigor in sorghum, using a population of 112 recombinant inbred lines from a cross between ShanquiRed (cold tolerant high altitude kaoling line)and TX430 (cold susceptible). The RILs and their hybrids with two testers (ARedlan and TxArg1) have been evaluated in early-season, multilocation field trials. A combination of simple sequence repeat markers (SSR) and Amplified fragment length polymorphisms (AFLP) has been used generate a linkage map. Genotyping the population to identify molecular markers linked to QTLs contributing to early seedling vigor is underway. Initial results indicate significant differences for emergence, dry matter and vigor among lines and both their hybrid conbinations. Emergence seems to be the trait most influenced by low temperatures. Markers linked to QTLs influencing emergence and dry matter accumilation have been identified.