Identification and validation of novel plant compactness QTL in common wheat

Three major QTL loci closely related to plant compactness in wheat were successfully identified, and their effects were validated in two additional RIL populations across multi environments. Plant architecture plays a crucial role in enhancing yield and economic value in wheat. In the process of molecular marker-assisted selection breeding, the closely linked KASP markers could potentially be utilized in molecular marker-assisted selection for adjusting plant compactness and for further characterization of the underlying gene(s).