Mapping QTLs with additive and epistatic effects for awn length and their effects on kernel-related traits in common wheat

Seven putative additive QTLs and 30 pairwise epistatic QTLs for AL were identified. Among them, five novel additive QTLs (except <i>qAl-2A</i> and <i>qAl-5A.2</i>) and 30 novel pairwise epistatic QTLs were identified. <i>qAl-5A.1</i> was repeatedly identified in all five environment datasets, which was considered to be one novel stable QTL for AL with minor additive effects. <i>eqAl-2B.2-2</i> significantly interacted with eight loci and could be of great importance in regulating awn development. The genes associated with the major stable QTL of <i>qAl-5A.2</i> and the minor stable QTL of <i>qAl-2A</i> were <i>B1</i> and <i>WFZP-A</i>, respectively. Awn lengths exhibited significant genetic correlations with kernel weight and kernels per spike, which could affect grain protein content to a lesser extent. This study enhances our understanding of the genetic basis of awn development and identifies novel genes as well as markers for future genetic improvement of wheat yield.