Genetic mapping of candidate loci for water‐deficit stress‐induced proline accumulation in bread wheat (<scp><i>Triticum aestivum</i></scp>)

Proline is an important metabolite that plays adaptive role in plants under water-deficit stress. Understanding the genetic basis of water-deficit-induced proline accumulation remains elusive crop plants, especially wheat. Here, we investigated control and conditions using a diversity panel which comprises 150 bread wheat cultivars. Water-deficit stress significantly increased than well-water treated plants. Water-deficit-induced variability was dissected genome-wide association studies identified significant marker-trait associations, on 1A 1B chromosomes. Population structure analysis revealed cultivars originated from Europe were associated with higher content. Further, linkage disequilibrium minor allele haplotypes, single markers linked conditions. The candidate genes mostly involved ATP ADP binding, protein oligopeptide transporter activity also found defence response, carbohydrate fatty acid biosynthetic processes. Next, silico transcript expression shoot/leaves Overall, key genomic regions controlling water deficit-induced can be utilized improving plant adaptation to drought.