Characterisation and Fine Mapping of a Dwarf Locus BnDF3 Encoding a GSK3 Kinase in Brassica napus

Fine mapping and candidate gene analysis of qPH19.1, a locus for soybean (Glycine max L.) plant height

Identification of a major QTL and candidate gene for flowering time in industrial hemp via BSA-seq and fine mapping.

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a photoperiod-sensitive short-day crop, yet the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) governing flowering time remain poorly characterized, limiting molecular breeding efforts. To identify genomic regions controlling photoperiodic flowering, we performed bulked segregant analysis sequencing (BSA-seq) coupled with fine linkage mapping using an F2 population derived from a cross between day-neutral (Bubble Kush) and short-day (Aquawoman) accessions. Based on extreme flowering phenotypes, we pooled DNA from 50 early- and 50 late-flowering individuals. A major QTL, qHFX, was mapped to a 2.2 Mb region on chromosome X via ΔSNP-index and Euclidean distance algorithms. Using 15 Kompetitive allele-specific PCR (KASP) markers developed from parental polymorphisms, we refined qHFX to a 637-kb interval in 300 F2 individuals. RNA-seq analysis of Aquawoman under short-day and long-day conditions identified five differentially expressed genes within this interval, with expression profiles validated by quantitative real-time PCR. Sequence analysis revealed a 1-bp indel in LOC115716363, which is homologous to Arabidopsis AHL20/22 and emerged as a strong candidate gene. Notably, heterologous overexpression of LOC115716363 in rice significantly delayed flowering, further supporting its role in flowering time regulation. Collectively, these findings elucidate the molecular basis of flowering time in industrial hemp and provide valuable genomic resources for breeding broadly adapted, high-yield varieties.

Genome-wide association analysis revealed that BnaGRP3-A03 regulates flowering time in Brassica napus

Fine mapping and characterization of the bitter gourd mature fruit-length QTL mfl5.1 reveals a lectin receptor-like kinase gene McLECRK1b controlling fruit elongation

Molecular Mapping and CRISPR/Cas9 Validation Reveal That SlVQ10 Regulates Seed Size in Tomato

Together, the genetic and genome–editing data support SlVQ10 as the gene underlying ssm and indicate that it promotes seed size in tomato.

Phenotypic characterization of a dominant glossy mutant and fine mapping of qCWA9.1 for controlling cuticular wax biosynthesis in rapeseed (Brassica napus L.)

Introduction Plant cuticular wax has gained increasing attention owing to its critical role in biotic and abiotic stress tolerance. Identifying key genes regulating cuticular wax biosynthesis and understanding their mechanisms are important for rapeseed resistance breeding. However, the candidate genes and mechanisms involved in cuticular wax biosynthesis in rapeseed remain poorly understood. Methods and results In this study, a dominant glossy mutant 39J7H was identified in rapeseed through genetic analysis. Two stable and pure sister lines ‘4074’ (glaucous) and ‘4075’ (glossy) were developed from the glossy mutant 39J7H via successive self-crosses. The leaves of ‘4075’ exhibited significantly increased cuticle permeability as indicated by water loss rate and toluidine blue (TB) staining. Conversely, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and GC-MS analysis demonstrated a dramatic reduction in wax crystals density, total wax content, and chemical components in ‘4075’ leaves compared to ‘4074’. Gene mapping analysis using F2 populations from the ‘4074’ × ‘4075’ cross identified the qCWA9.1 locus within a 2.3 Mb region on chromosome A09 of rapeseed through BSA-seq. Subsequent linkage analysis in the F2 population, along with phenotypic data from the F2:3 generation, refined the qCWA9.1 region to a 49.0-kb interval between the SSR markers 9AS337 and 9AS339. This interval contains nine genes, among which BnaA09G0695600ZS, an orthologue of the Arabidopsis gene AT1G01600 (AtCYP86A4), encoding a fatty acid omega-hydroxylase CYP86A4, was identified as a potential candidate gene for qCWA9.1 associated with the glossy phenotype. Sequence analysis uncovered SNP variations in the first exon and promoter region of BnaA09G0695600ZS in the glossy line ‘4075’. Additionally, qRT-PCR analysis indicated that a significant upregulated in BnaA09G0695600ZS expression in this line. Discussion Based on these results, we hypothesize that BnaA09G0695600ZS emerged as one of candidate genes for cuticular wax synthesis. The absence of two key cis-regulatory elements, I-box and TATC-box, in the promoter region of BnaA09G0695600ZS in the glossy line ‘4075’ may potentially alter cuticular wax metabolism in rapeseed leaves. These findings enhance our understanding of cuticular wax biosynthesis in rapeseed and provide valuable genetic resources for the development of high-stress-resistant rapeseed germplasms.