The genetics of late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA) in North American spring wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.)

Abstract Genetic susceptibility to late maturity alpha-amylase (LMA) in wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) results increased activity mature grain when cool conditions occur during maturation. Farmers are forced sell with elevated at a discount because it has an risk of poor end-product quality. This problem can result from either LMA or preharvest sprouting, germination on the mother plant rain occurs before harvest. Whereas sprouting is well-understood problem, little known about poses North American crops. To examine this, was characterized panel 251 hard spring lines, representing ten geographical areas. It appears that there substantial since only 27% lines showed reproducible resistance following cold-induction experiments. A preliminary genome-wide association study detected six significant marker-trait associations. may genetic mechanisms similar those previously observed Australian and International Maize Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) germplasm two QTLs, QLMA.wsu.7B QLMA.wsu.6B , co-localized reported loci. The Reduced height Rht ) loci also influenced LMA. Elevated levels were significantly associated presence both wild-type tall height, rht-B1a rht-D1a cold-treated untreated samples.