Abstract Detail

Crops and Wild Relatives

Dowell, Jordan [1], Clark, Erin [2], Mandel, Jennifer [3], Donovan, Lisa [4], Burke, John [5], Mason, Chase [6].

Genome wide association mapping of floral traits in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus).

Floral morphology and pigmentation are both charismatic and economically relevant traits associated with the crop plant Helianthus annuus(cultivated sunflower). Recent work has linked a variety of aspects of floral morphology and pigmentation to pollinator efficiency and seed yield across diverse cultivars. Therefore, the characterization of germplasm for these traits is essential for crop improvement. In this study, we carried out a genome-wide association mapping of floral traits across 5788 SNP markers on a diversity panel of 288 sunflower genotypes, representing nearly 90% of the allelic diversity present in cultivated sunflower germplasm repositories. Using a mixed linear model approach, we identified 39 loci significantly associated with morphological and color trait variation. Loci related to tissue pigmentation consistently mapped across both field and greenhouse phenotyping, while loci related to flower size and shape were less consistent, indicating the likelihood that morphology exhibits a higher degree of plasticity than color. Further research is necessary to confirm marker associations identified and to evaluate appropriateness for marker assisted breeding programs for both agricultural and horticultural purposes.

1 - University of Central Florida, Biology, 4110 Libra Drive, Orlando, FL, 32826, USA
2 - University of Georgia, Plant Biology, 2052 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, USA
3 - University of Memphis, 3700 Walker Avenue, Memphis, TN, 38152, United States
4 - University Of Georgia, DEPT PLANT BIOLOGY , 2052 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602, United States
5 - University of Georgia, Plant Biology, 2052 Miller Plant Sciences, Athens, GA, 30602
6 - University Of Central Florida, Department Of Biology, 4110 Libra Dr, Orlando, FL, 32816, United States

Keywords:
floral
GWAS
Helianthus
Anthocyanin
carotenoid
morphology.

Presentation Type: Oral Paper
Session: 9, Crops and Wild Relatives
Location: 109/Mayo Civic Center
Date: Monday, July 23rd, 2018
Time: 1:30 PM
Number: 9001
Abstract ID:295
Candidate for Awards:None