New quantitative trait loci influencing grain texture and protein content in bread wheat

The object of this study was to discover new QTL controlling grain texture and protein quantity which could be of use for plant breeders for directed plant breeding by marker-assisted selection. A series of precise genetic stocks of wheat developed between the good bread-making quality parent, Avalon, and a biscuit wheat, Hobbit Sib, were used for this purpose. Analysis of a population of Hobbit Sib (Avalon 5A) recombinant substitution lines revealed two new year-on-year, consistent, putative (non-significant) QTL, one associated with grain protein content and one with grain texture. Analysis of Hobbit Sib (Avalon 5D) recombinant substitution lines revealed strong, statistically significant and consistent associations between the known hardness locus, Ha, and grain texture, and between a new QTL on the long arm, with grain protein content. Analysis of a population of Hobbit Sib x Avalon recombinant inbred lines revealed year-on-year consistent, statistically significant, new QTL for protein content on chromosomes 213, 613 and 7A, and for texture on chromosome I B. (C) 2004 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.