QTL Mapping and RNA-Seq Revealed Loci and Candidate Genes Associated with Cold Tolerance of Wheat Root at Seedling Stage

OBJECTIVES: Low-temperature stress has become a key factor severely restricting seedling growth in wheat, highlighting the growing importance of research on low-temperature tolerance in wheat. Most previous studies focused on the aboveground organs, and only a minority specifically targeted the roots. METHODS: In this study, a recombinant inbred line population derived from a cross between DH118 and Jinmai 919 was used to dissect the genetic regulatory mechanism underlying root growth and development in wheat seedlings under low-temperature conditions. RESULTS: were validated to be significantly associated with cold tolerance in a natural population including 289 wheat accessions. Moreover, 13 candidate genes from QTL intervals regulating root growth and development under low-temperature stress were further identified based on RNA sequencing. CONCLUSIONS: These results provide a foundation for further exploring the regulatory mechanism of root growth and development in wheat under low-temperature stress.