Identification of genetic factors controlling phosphorus utilization efficiency in wheat by genome-wide association study with principal component analysis

ABSTRACT Despite the economic importance of P utilization efficiency, information on genetic factors underlying this trait remains elusive. To address that, we performed a genome-wide association study in a spring wheat diversity panel ranging from landraces to elite varieties. We evaluated the phenotype variation for P utilization efficiency in controlled conditions and genotype variation using wheat 90K SNP array. Phenotype variables were transformed into a smaller set of uncorrelated principal components that captured the most important variation data. We identified two significant loci associated with both P utilization efficiency and the 1st principal component on chromosomes 3A and 4A: qPE1-3A and qPE2-4A . Annotation of genes at these loci revealed 53 wheat genes, among which 6 were identified in significantly enriched pathways. The expression pattern of these 6 genes indicated that TraesCS4A02G481800 , involved in pyruvate metabolism and TCA cycle, had a significantly higher expression in the P efficient variety under limited P conditions. Further characterization of these loci and candidate genes can help stimulate P utilization efficiency in wheat. KEY MESSAGE We report two new loci for P utilization efficiency on chromosomes 3A and 4A of wheat. The prioritized candidate genes at these loci can be investigated by molecular biology techniques to improve P efficiency in wheat and grass relatives.