Quantitative Trait Locus Mapping for Rapid Visco Analyzer Parameters in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

The pasting properties of starch measured using the rapid visco analyzer (RVA) have important effects on the quality of wheat flour as well as flour-based foods. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for RVA parameters, a doubled-haploid population of 194 lines was used for linkage mapping in this study. A total of 39 QTLs with an LOD value ≥ 3.0 were detected across three years for six RVA parameters on 17 of the 21 chromosomes of common wheat (4A, 4B, 6B, and 7A were not considered). Among these QTLs, two QTLs for peak viscosity on 2A and 6A, two QTLs for trough viscosity on 2A and 6A, one QTL for breakdown on 5D, and two QTLs for setback on 5A and 7B were identified as the stable major QTLs detected in two or more environments, with phenotypic variation explanation exceeding 10%. Seven pleiotropic QTLs on 2A, 3D, 5A, 5B, 6A, 6D, and 7B were identified simultaneously with two or more RVA parameters. Molecular markers closely linked to the QTLs can be used to select the desired pasting property traits and provide assistance in breeding to improve wheat quality.