Selection Signatures in Four Lignin Genes from Switchgrass Populations Divergently Selected for In Vitro Dry Matter Digestibility

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167005
• Publication Date: 2016-11-28T20:00:53Z
• Authors: Shiyu Chen; Shawn M. Kaeppler; Kenneth P. Vogel; Michael D. Casler
• Keywords: Linkage Disequilibrium; Polyploid; Candidate gene

Switchgrass is undergoing development as a dedicated cellulosic bioenergy crop. Fermentation of lignocellulosic biomass to ethanol in system or volatile fatty acids livestock production strongly and negatively influenced by lignification cell walls. This study detects specific loci that exhibit selection signatures across switchgrass breeding populations differ vitro dry matter digestibility (IVDMD), yield, lignin concentration. Allele frequency changes candidate genes were used detect under selection. Out the 183 polymorphisms identified four genes, twenty-five intron regions coding found display signature. All are synonymous substitutions. Selection both directions observed on appeared be Genetic diversity linkage disequilibrium within low. The recurrent divergent caused excessive moderate allele frequencies cycle 3 reduced population compared base population. provides valuable insight genetic occurring short-term polyploid populations, discovered potential markers for with improved quality.