Detection of QTLs for important agronomical traits in hexaploid wheat using association analysis

One of the main wheat breeder's goals is determining specific genomic regions which control important agronomical traits. Association analysis is a new strategy with high resolution in plant molecular breeding that could be used to improve the efficiency of marker assisted selection (MAS) for finding important QTLs (quantitative trait loci) or genes. A set of 96 diverse wheat genotypes was phenotypically measured during three growing seasons (2006/07, 2007/08, 2008/09). Microsatellite markers located near important QTLs were carefully chosen in accordance with existing literature data to validate marker trait associations (MTA). Genomic DNA was extracted using the CTAB method and PCR products were separated by capillary electrophoresis. The population structure was assigned based on molecular data in Structure v. 2.0 software, while association analysis was done by the Tassel program using the Q matrix. Nine significant associations were stable in all years investigated and eight MTA were detected to be significant in two growing seasons. Microsatellite markers which showed significant associations and stability in different seasons can be useful and suitable for MAS in Serbian wheat breeding programs.