New Genes Found Affecting Barley Stem Length and Plant Height

Jim Crocker
16th June, 2024

New Genes Found Affecting Barley Stem Length and Plant Height

Image Source: Natural Science News, 2024

Key Findings

  • The study by Qatar University focused on the genetic and phenotypic variation of peduncle length in barley under drought and heat conditions
  • Significant natural variation in peduncle length was found among barley accessions from around the world, indicating its importance for adaptation to dry environments
  • A genome-wide association study (GWAS) identified 86 marker-trait associations, with five significant markers located on chromosome 3H, highlighting key genetic regions linked to peduncle length
The cereal plant barley (Hordeum vulgare) is known for its high nutritional content and resilience to adverse weather conditions. A recent study conducted by Qatar University aimed to investigate the genetic and phenotypic variation of peduncle length in barley under drought and heat conditions[1]. The peduncle, which is the stem segment that supports the grain head, plays a crucial role in the plant's adaptation and tolerance to stress. Barley accessions from around the world were examined, revealing significant natural variation in peduncle length under dry conditions. This suggests that peduncle length is an important trait for adaptation to such environments. A genome-wide association study (GWAS) was conducted, evaluating the relationship between 127,022 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and peduncle length at maturity in 184 barley accessions. The GWAS identified 86 marker-trait associations across various genomic regions, with five significant markers located on chromosome 3H. Among the 23 candidate genes identified, the gene HORVU.MOREX.r2.3HG0216310.1, coding for a Polynucleotidyl transferase ribonuclease H-like superfamily protein, exhibited the highest level of expression. This indicates its potential role in peduncle development under drought and heat conditions. The findings of this study align with previous research on barley's genetic traits. For instance, earlier studies have shown that plant stature in temperate cereals, including barley, is controlled by complex traits such as tillering and plant height, which are influenced by genetic factors[2]. The current study builds on this by focusing specifically on peduncle length, a trait not previously highlighted. Moreover, the use of GWAS in the current study echoes the success of this method in identifying genetic regions associated with important agronomic traits in barley, as highlighted in earlier reviews[3]. GWAS has proven to be a powerful tool in uncovering the genetic basis of natural phenotypic variation, which can be leveraged for crop improvement. The study's findings also contribute to our understanding of how plants integrate environmental cues with developmental programs through genetic and hormonal pathways. Previous research has shown that plant hormones play a critical role in coordinating responses to environmental stress and developmental processes[4]. The identification of candidate genes involved in peduncle development under stress conditions suggests potential points of crosstalk between genetic and hormonal pathways. Additionally, the study's focus on the peduncle complements earlier research on fructan accumulation in wheat internodes, which highlighted the role of different plant parts in stress resilience[5]. Understanding the genetic basis of peduncle length in barley under drought and heat conditions provides valuable insights into the plant's overall stress tolerance mechanisms. In summary, this study by Qatar University sheds light on the genetic and phenotypic variation of peduncle length in barley under dry conditions. By identifying significant genetic markers and candidate genes, the research provides a foundation for future genetic studies aimed at improving stress tolerance in barley. The use of GWAS in this study underscores its effectiveness in uncovering the genetic basis of important agronomic traits, contributing to the broader goal of crop improvement.

AgricultureGeneticsPlant Science

References

Main Study

1) Discovery of new genomic regions and candidate genes implicated in the natural variation of barley peduncle length and plant height

Published 15th June, 2024

https://doi.org/10.1007/s10722-024-02050-y

Related Studies

2) The Genetic Architecture of Barley Plant Stature.

https://doi.org/10.3389/fgene.2016.00117

3) GWAS: Fast-forwarding gene identification and characterization in temperate Cereals: lessons from Barley - A review.

https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jare.2019.10.013

4) Extensive signal integration by the phytohormone protein network.

https://doi.org/10.1038/s41586-020-2460-0

5) The enclosed and exposed part of the peduncle of wheat (Triticum aestivum) - spatial separation of fructan storage.

https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1469-8137.2003.00799.x


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