Fine mapping of a major QTL on chromosome A05 conferring pod size in peanut

• Published in: The Crop journal 2024-11
• Main Authors: Zhao, Kunkun, Du, Xufa, Zhang, Jingjing, Fan, Yi, Ma, Qian, Li, Yaoyao, Cao, Zenghui, Cao, Di, Hu, Sasa, Qiu, Ding, Zhao, Kai, Gong, Fangping, Li, Zhongfeng, Ren, Rui, Zhang, Lin, Ma, Xingli, Zhang, Xingguo, Yin, Dongmei
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: BSA-seq; Peanut; Pod size; Zinc finger protein
• ISSN: 2214-5141; 2214-5141
• DOI: 10.1016/j.cj.2024.10.009

Pod size is a key agronomic trait that influences peanut yield greatly. However, our understanding of the mechanisms underlying pod size is limited. In this study, we employed a segregating population derived from a cross between the small-pod line ND_S and the large-pod line ND_L to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with pod size. Initial mapping performed using bulk segregant analysis revealed a candidate interval on chromosome A05 referred to as qPSW05. We refined this interval to a 256.9 kb genomic region using newly developed molecular markers. Through sequence and expression analyses, we identified the candidate gene AhXE45GC, which encodes an AN1 zinc finger protein. We discovered a 33-bp insertion in the intron of AhXE45GC in ND_S. Accessions that lack this insertion, such as ND_L, had significantly larger pods than those with the insertion, including ND_S. To facilitate marker-assisted selection for peanut pod size, we developed a molecular marker associated with this polymorphism. This marker could provide a valuable genetic resource for breeding high-yielding peanut varieties.