Multiple genomic regions influence root morphology and seedling growth in cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) under well-watered and water-limited conditions

• DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204279
• Publication Date: 2018-09-20T17:59:31Z
• Authors: Rishi R. Masalia; Andries A. Temme; Nicole de leon To...; John M. Burke
• Keywords: Helianthus annuus; Pleiotropy; Helianthus

With climate change and an ever-increasing human population threatening food security, developing a better understanding of the genetic basis crop performance under stressful conditions has become increasingly important. Here, we used genome-wide association studies to genetically dissect variation in seedling growth traits cultivated sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) well-watered water-limited (i.e., osmotic stress) conditions, with particular focus on root morphology. Water limitation reduced size produced shift toward deeper rooting. These effects varied across genotypes, identified 13 genomic regions that were associated interest two environments. from single marker 186.2 Mbp harbored numerous genes, some which are known be involved plant growth/development as well response stress. In many cases, these associations corresponded where common allele outperformed rare variant, suggesting selection for increased vigor during evolution might responsible relatively high frequency alleles. We also found evidence pleiotropy multiple traits, environmentally independent effects. Overall, our results indicate existence morphology allocation further suggest majority alleles have consistent