Distribution of Vernalization and Photoperiod Genes and the Effects on Heading and Flowering of Wheat in Guizhou

PurposeTo understand the composition and distribution of vernalization and photoperiod genes in wheat, and to explore the effect relationship between vernalization and photoperiod genes on heading date and flowering date of Guizhou wheat, so as to provide reference for breeding and utilization of ecologically adaptable wheat varieties in Guizhou.

MethodsA total of 272 wheat varieties (lines) were used as materials. The vernalization genes VRN-A1, VRN-B1, VRN-B3 and VRN-D1, photoperiod genes Ppd-A1, Ppd-B1 and Ppd-D1 were amplified by PCR, and the allelic variation types and distribution frequencies of these genes were identified and analyzed; and the field observation and identification of wheat heading date and flowering date were carried out.

ResultsThe distribution frequencies of Vrn-A1, Vrn-B1 and Vrn-D1 were between 0.7% and 85.2%, but Vrn-B3 was not detected. All tested cultivars carried Ppd-A1b and Ppd-B1b photoperiod-sensitive alleles. At the photoperiod gene Ppd-D1 locus, only three cultivars from outside the province carried the photoperiod-sensitive gene Ppd-D1b, while other cultivars carried the photoperiod-insensitive gene Ppd-D1a. Correlation analysis showed that Ppd-D1b was significantly positively correlated with heading stage and flowering stage, Vrn-B1 was significantly negatively correlated with heading stage, while Vrn-D1 and Vrn-B1+Vrn-D1 combinations were significantly negatively correlated with heading stage and flowering stage.

ConclusionThere are fewer types and combinations of vernalization and photoperiod genes in Guizhou wheat than those from other provinces, and the germplasm resources need to be further enriched. Vernalization and photoperiod genes affect the heading date and flowering date of wheat. Appropriate gene composition types can improve the adaptability of wheat varieties in different environments.