Identification of quantitative trait loci markers using diversity arrays technology for polyphenol oxidase activity in hexaploid wheat

Polyphenol oxidase (PPO) causes undesirable darkening in wheat products such as Asian noodles. The inheritance of PPO activity was investigated in a doubled haploid (DH) population derived from a hybrid between a null PPO genotype VAW08-A17 and Australian wheat variety QALBis. The observed genetic ratio indicated three genes controlling high PPO activity. Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping was performed in this DH population using diversity arrays technology (DArT) to genotype the population. Three highly significant QTLs that control PPO activity were identified on chromosomes 2AL, 2BS and 2DL with additive mode of action. Three closely associated DArT markers, wPt-7024, wPt-0094 and wPt-2544, were identified corresponding to these QTLs. Collectively, these loci explained 74% of the observed variation in PPO activity. Identification of DArT markers associated with PPO genes will accelerate the development of null or very low PPO cultivars that exhibit reduced time-dependent darkening of Asian noodles.