Integration of high-density genetic mapping with transcriptome analysis uncovers numerous agronomic QTL and reveals candidate genes for the control of tillering in sorghum

Abstract Phenotypes such as branching, photoperiod sensitivity, and height were modified during plant domestication crop improvement. Here, we perform quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of these other agronomic traits in a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population derived from an interspecific cross between Sorghum propinquum bicolor Tx7000. Using low-coverage Illumina sequencing bin-mapping approach, generated ∼1920 bin markers spanning ∼875 cM. Phenotyping data collected analyzed two field locations one greenhouse experiment for six traits, thereby identifying total 30 QTL. Many QTL penetrant across environments co-mapped with major identified studies. Other uncovered new genomic regions associated some environment-specific their action. To further dissect the genetic underpinnings tillering, complemented analysis transcriptomics, 6189 genes that differentially expressed tiller bud elongation. We Dormancy Associated Protein 1 (DRM1) addition to various transcription factors are comparisons dormant elongating buds lie within tillering QTL, suggesting key regulators elongation sorghum. Our study demonstrates usefulness this RIL detecting improvement-associated sorghum, thus providing valuable resource investigation improvement sorghum community.