Master of Science / Agronomy / Allan Fritz / Fusarium head blight (FHB) is a fungal disease, mostly commonly associated with F. graminearum, which affects cereal crops such as wheat resulting in substantial yield losses and reductions in grain quality. The onset of the disease can occur rapidly when warm, wet or humid weather coincides with flowering in the spring. The pathogen also produces mycotoxins such as deoxynivalenol (DON) that accumulate in the grain and can be toxic to humans and animals. This results in additional economic losses as contaminated grain must be discarded or blended to reduce the amount of toxin in order to meet federal regulatory limits. Development and deployment of resistant cultivars has proved to be an effective method to combat the disease, and many resistant sources have been reported in the literature with the majority of major resistance coming from Chinese landraces. Transferring resistance from these sources into cultivars adapted to the U.S. has been a slow process due to linkage of FHB resistance genes with poor agronomic traits. Therefore, it is important for breeders to search for sources of resistance in native material adapted to their local conditions. In this study, we aimed to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for resistance to spread of FHB within the head (Type II resistance), accumulation of DON toxin in grain (Type III resistance), and resistance to kernel infection (Type IV resistance). Plant material consisted of 148 doubled haploid (DH) lines from a cross between the two moderately resistant hard red winter wheat (HRWW) cultivars Art and Everest. The study was conducted for two years using a point inoculation technique in a greenhouse in Manhattan, KS. Three QTL conferring resistance to FHB traits were detected on chromosomes 2D, 4B, and 4D. The QTL on chromosomes 4B and 4D overlapped with the major height genes Rht1 and Rht2, respectively. Plant height has shown previous associations with FHB, though the underlying cause of these associations is not well understood. The majority of results have reported increased susceptibility associated with shorter plant types; however, in this study, the haplotype analysis for the Rht-B1 and Rht-D1 loci showed an association between the dwarfing alleles and increased resistance to FHB. This suggests either pleiotropic effects of these loci or perhaps linkage with nearby genes for FHB resistance. Markers close to the peaks of the FHB resistance QTL have the potential for Kompetitive Allele Specific PCR (KASP) marker development and subsequent use in marker assisted selection (MAS) to help improve overall FHB resistance within breeding programs.

No description available.

Soybeans are economically and agriculturally the most important legume in the world, providing protein and oil to the food and animal feed industries and base ingredients for hundreds of chemical products. Their value could be enhanced, however, if the oil and protein content remained high and the oligosaccharide and phytate contents were lowered to make soybeans more acceptable for human and animal consumption. A soybean population of 55 families segregating for genes controlling quality traits was chosen for this study. Both parental lines have high sucrose and low stachyose. The former contains a high level of phytate while the latter is low phytate. The objective of this experiment was to determine whether or not both parents had the same gene(s) for low stachyose. An additional objective was to determine quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling quality traits: sucrose, stachyose and phytate. An acetonitrile precipitation method and a modified colorimetric method were used to determine amounts of sugars and phytate, respectively. The phenotypic data for stachyose was analyzed and it was determined that two recessive genes control low stachyose content in this population. A map was constructed using 141 SSR markers and 15 molecular linkage groups (MLGs) were identified. After analyzing trait and marker data in QTL Cartographer, potential QTL were found on MLGs: B1, C2, D1b, F, M and N. Sucrose and stachyose QTL were identified on B1, C2, M and N. Phytate QTL were observed on B1, D1b, F and N. The markers identified for quality traits in this population may be useful in marker-assisted selection and the germplasm should be useful for the development of a cultivar. / Master of Science

Les protocoles de détection de QTL varient selon le modèle étudié, car ils dépendent de nombreux paramètres. Cette thèse s’est intéressée à la façon d’adapter ces protocoles à travers deux exemples de recherches de QTL chez la Poule, en utilisant deux méthodes statistiques différentes : maximum de vraisemblance (MV) et régression linéaire (RL), qui ont été comparées. Dans un premier temps, des QTLs de résistance au portage de salmonelles ont été identifiés, d’effets faibles et dont les positions varient selon la méthode utilisée. Dans un deuxième temps, des QTLs de caractères de digestibilité et d’anatomie du tube digestif ont été identifiés, avec des résultats semblables avec les deux méthodes. De nombreux QTLs d’effets faibles à modérés ont été identifiés. Les résultats de cette thèse montrent que la comparaison des deux méthodes est toujours utile et car dans certaines conditions les résultats obtenus diffèrent entre les deux méthodes. / The QTL detection protocols vary depending on the model studied, because they depend on many parameters. This thesis has focused on how to adapt these protocols through two examples of QTL detection in Chicken, using two different statistical methods: maximum likelihood (ML) and linear regression (LR), which results were compared on two examples. Initially, QTLs controlling resistance to Salmonella carrier-state have been identified, of small effects and whose positions vary according to the method. In a second step, QTLs controlling digestibility and anatomy of the gastro-intestinal tract were identified with similar results for both methods. Many QTLs of small to moderate effects were identified. The results of this thesis show that the comparison of the two methods is always helpful as under certain conditions the results may vary with the method.

Les allèles en ségrégation des deux génomes Elaeis ont été tracés dans un pseudo backcross interspécifique Elaeis (E. oleifera x E. guineensis) x E. guineensis. Dix-neuf QTL de proportion d'acides gras de l'huile de palme par rapport à 16 QTL des mêmes caractères d'un croisement intraspécifique E. guineensis ont mis en évidence des QTL communs ou spécifiques aux deux espèces. Aucune corrélation n'existe entre proportions d'acides gras et le rendement en huile de palme. Le déterminisme génétique et les principaux gènes associés aux acides gras du mésocarpe ont été étudiés, à l'aide de banques d'ADNc pleine longueur et des extraits d'ARNm de mésocarpe de fruits en développement des espèces Elaeis chacune représentée par quatre fonds génétiques. L'expression de 113 gènes Elaeis clés ou de facteurs putatifs de régulation des voies de synthèse de novo des acides gras et des triacylglycérols fut caractérisée au niveau de l'espèce par analyse in silico de profils de transcription et par analyse Real Time RT-qPCR. Les gènes ont été cartographiés sur le pseudo backcross avec 180 marqueurs SNP intra-géniques. Quarante-huit gènes étaient exprimés différemment entre espèces dont 94% plus exprimés chez E. guineensis. Le facteur de transcription EgAP2-2 (WRI1-like) influence le début de la synthèsede novo des acide gras par action principale sur les gènes MAT et KAS III, parait indépendant de l'expression d'autres gènes et non différentiel entre espèces. Les variations en C16:0 et C18:0 entre espèces s'expliquent par niveau d'expression allélique et l'activité enzymatique relative des isoformes présentes dans le génome de FATB (2), KAS II (1) et SAD (3). / An Elaeis interspecific pseudo-backcross of first generation (E. oleifera x E. guineensis) x E. guineensis allowed tracing segregating alleles from both Elaeis genomes. Nineteen quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated to palm oil fatty acid proportions compared to 16 QTLs of same traits in an intra-specific oil palm cross evidenced common or specific QTLs in E. guineensis and E. oleifera. No correlation was found in oil palm between mesocarp fatty acid proportions and yieldtraits. The genetic determinism of main fatty acid proportions was confirmed. Genes related to palm oil fatty acids were investigated using full-length cDNA libraries and mRNA extracts from the mesocarp of developing fruits in each Elaeis species represented by four genetic pools. Expression of 113 key Elaeis genes or putative regulation factors of de novo fatty acid and triacylglycerol pathways were characterized at species level by in silico transcript profiling and Real Time RT-qPCR analysis. Genes were mapped on the pseudo-backcross using 180 intra-gene SNP markers. Forty-eight genes were differentially expressed between Elaeis species, with 94% over expressed in E. guineensis. The EgAP2-2 (WRI1-like) transcription factor might influence the start of the de novo fatty acid pathway by main action only on the MAT and KAS III genes, as independent in expression from other genes and not differential between species. Between species variations in C16:0 and C18:0 can be deciphered by relative expression levels and enzyme activities of the isoforms in the genome of FATB (2), KAS II (1) and SAD (3). An oil palm producing more oleic acid in proportion than pure E. oleifera is feasible.

Growth rate and flowering time are agriculturally important traits that are linked to fitness, productivity and reproductive success of plants. To study the genetic basis for natural variation in growth rate and flowering time between local accessions of Arabidopsis thaliana, hybrids were produced between fast growing / late flowering and slow growing / early flowering parents. F3 and F5 hybrid families were grown under a range of conditions – under a constant controlled environment, outside over the winter and outside in spring and early summer. Growth rates were estimated from repeated images of rosettes. Flowering time, as number of leaves to flower, was also recorded both in control and natural conditions for F5 lines. Damage by slugs and stress-induced production of anthocyanin pigments were also recorded for plants grown outside. Broad-sense heritability estimates were higher for F5 families than F3, in which more loci will segregate, and ranged from 48% to 89%. No significant correlation between growth rates under different environments was observed in most cases for F3 populations, however significant correlations were detected for F5 families outside and under controlled conditions, suggesting that same genes can affect growth rate in more than one environment. The genotypes of F3 families were determined at thirty-nine SSLP (simple sequence length polymorphism) loci and used in regression with phenotype data to search for quantitative trait loci (QTL). Significant QTLs were detected in F3 families for growth rate, flowering time and anthocyanin production, but not for herbivore damage. To confirm QTL detected in the F3 and to detect additional loci, bulk segregant analysis was carried out in F5 families grown under different conditions. Potentially linked markers were tested further in individual F5 plants and QTL mapped on a finer scale in F5 families that remained heterozygous for candidate regions. VIP5 and LDL1 were selected as potential candidate genes for flowering time variation. These genes were sequenced for two parental alleles. A transposon insertion and 5’ UTR deletion were found in the LDL1 allele from the late flowering parent and SNPs (single nucleotide polymorphisms) were observed throughout the gene. However both alleles appeared to be expressed at similar levels. Transgenic lines have been produced carrying the LDL1 allele from the early flowering parent (4D1) in the background of the later flowering parent (11C1). This work is on-going and will hopefully reveal whether LDL1 underlies differences in flowering behaviour seen between 11C1 and 4D1.

Thesis (PhD (Genetics))--Stellenbosch University, 2010. / ENGLISH ABSTRACT: The South African abalone, Haliotis midae, is a commercially valuable mollusc and is mostly exported to the Far East. Genetics research on H. midae has increased substantially since a genetic improvement programme was introduced in 2006 by collaboration between Stellenbosch University, government and industry partners. The development of molecular markers, QTL-mapping, gene-expression and genome manipulations are the main focuses of the research currently being conducted. The end goal is to create high quality and fast growing animals for the industry. The present study focused on the development of microsatellite markers and the detection of quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting growth traits (shell length, shell width, wet weight) in this species. A combination of three methods, namely selective genotyping and bulked segregant analysis (pooling analysis), single marker regression and interval mapping were used to identify putative QTL in two full-sib families from two different farmed locations. Additional methods and protocols were developed that can assist the industry in other molecular research aspects. A total of 125 microsatellite loci were characterised. A total of 82 of these loci were isolated using second generation sequencing, a first for any abalone species. A preliminary, low-density framework linkage map was constructed containing 50 loci that mapped to 18 linkage groups. The observed genome length was 148.72cm with coverage of ±47%. QTL analyses revealed two putative QTL for shell width and wet weight, with 17% and 15% variance explained, that mapped on one linkage group in the first family and three putative QTL, for shell length, shell width and wet weight, with 33%, 28.5% and 31.5% variance explained, that mapped on one linkage group in the second family. Additional methods and protocols developed include an automated high-throughput DNA isolation protocol, a real-time PCR assay for H. midae x H. spadicea hybrid verification, a triploid verification microsatellite assay and a pre- and post-PCR multiplex setup and optimisation protocol. Future studies focussing on QTL and marker assisted selection (MAS) should verify the QTL found in this study and also utilise additional family structures and determine QTL-marker phase within the commercial populations. / AFRIKAANSE OPSOMMING: Die Suid-Afrikaanse perlemoen, Haliotis midae, is ’n kommersieel waardevolle weekdier en word hoofsaaklik na die Verre-Ooste uitgevoer. Genetiese navorsing op H. midae het aansienlik toegeneem sedert ’n genetiese verbeteringsprogram in 2006 deur samewerking tussen die Universiteit van Stellenbosch, die regering en industrievennote ingebring is. Die ontwikkeling van molekulêre merkers, KEL-kartering, geen-uitdrukking en genoom manipulasies is die hooffokusse van die navorsing wat tans uitgevoer word. Die einddoel is om hoë kwaliteit en snelgroeiende diere vir die industrie te skep. Die huidige studie het op die ontwikkeling van mikrosatelliet merkers en die opsporing van groeiverwante (skulplengte, -breedte en nat gewig) kwantitatiewe eienskap lokusse (KEL) in hierdie spesie gefokus. ’n Kombinasie van drie metodes, naamlik selektiewe genotipering en versamelde segregaat analise (samevoegingsanalise), enkel merker regressie en intervalkartering is gebruik om waarskynlike KEL in twee vol-sibbe families van twee verskillende produksiegebiede te identifiseer. Aanvullende metodes en protokolle is ontwikkel wat die industrie in ander molekulêre navorsingsaspekte kan ondersteun. ’n Totaal van 125 mikrosatelliet lokusse is beskryf. ’n Totaal van 82 van hierdie lokusse is deur die gebruik van derde generasie volgordebepaling geïsoleer, ’n eerste vir enige perlemoen spesie. ’n Voorlopige, laedigtheid raamwerkkoppelingskaart is saamgestel met 50 lokusse wat op 18 koppelingsgroepe gekarteer is. Die waarneembare genoomlengte was 148.72cm met ’n dekking van ±47%. KEL-analises het twee waarskynlike KEL vir skulpbreedte en nat gewig blootgelê wat 17% en 15% variasie verduidelik en is op een koppelingsgroep in die eerste familie gekarteer asook drie waarskynlike KEL, vir skulplengte, -breedte en nat gewig wat 33%, 28.5% en 31.5% variasie verduidelik en is op een koppelingsgroep in die tweede familie gekarteer. Aanvullende metodes en protokolle wat ontwikkel is, sluit ’n geoutomatiseerde hoë-deurgang DNS-isolasieprotokol, ’n intydse PKR-proef vir H. midae x H. spadicea hibried verifikasie, ’n triploïed verifikasie mikrosatellietproef en veelsoortige pre- en post-PKR opstelling en optimaliseringsprotokol in. Toekomstige studies wat fokus op KEL en merker ondersteunde seleksie (MOS) behoort die KEL wat in hierdie studie gevind is te verifieer en ook bykomende familie strukture te benut om KEL-merker fases binne die kommersiële populasie te bepaal.

No description available.

This thesis addresses the dissection and characterisation of quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting production traits in sheep. Firstly, the association between specific genetic polymorphisms and complex variation in weight, muscle and fat depositions was investigated. Research concentrated on assessing the presence, correspondence and significance of two single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the GDF8 region of ovine chromosome 2, reportedly affecting muscle production. Commercial populations of British Texel, Suffolk and Charollais sheep were studied. The SNPs were absent in Suffolk and almost fixed in Texel breeds. In the Charollais population, the SNPs segregated at intermediate frequencies and a significant association was found between these polymorphisms and muscle depth. The previously proposed causative allele at one of the loci resulted in increased muscle depth and, at allele frequency of 0.5, this locus would explain one third of the additive genetic variance for the trait. Partial recessive allelic expression is proposed by genotypic value predictions and is consistent with the previously postulated molecular mechanism by which it gives rise to muscle changes. Secondly, the thesis focused on detection of QTL associated with growth. Live weight is a composite of growth rates over time, with inter-age genetic correlations for live weight decreasing as time between weight measurements increases. To explore whether observed genetic correlation patterns translate into distinct loci acting on weight at different growth stages, a novel method was developed and the applicability of a second proposed method was explored. Both methods allowed simultaneous analysis of multiple live weights per animal, while accounting differently for the correlation among measurements ordered in time. In the first approach, a growth curve technique was developed and employed to map growth QTL for curve parameters and predicted growth descriptors. A study of actual live weights identified significant QTL at different ages on distinct chromosomes, with QTL significance and variance changing over time. Further application of this technique on a simulated dataset validated its effectiveness in detecting age-dependent QTL. An extension of the procedure resulted in a novel technique for genomic evaluation of longitudinal traits. In the second method examined, random regression (RR) models were applied for dissection of growth QTL. Systematic model selection and inclusion of relevant random effects resulted in apparently significant QTL, but the method was computationally demanding, model choice proved challenging and the results were questioned. To further explore the method, RR models were applied to various simulated growth phenotypes composed of time-dependent QTL trajectories, polygenic and environmental effects. Statistically optimal RR models succeeded in identifying significant QTL and predicting the simulated time-dependence for most scenarios. However, the issue of model choice was again prominent, as suboptimal models resulted in unreliable QTL variance trajectories and pronounced confounding between different time-dependent effects. Thus, the growth curve approach appeared to be the more flexible and robust process for analysing longitudinal data to map agedependent QTL.

Canola/rapeseed (Brassica napus L.) is a major oilseed crop worldwide. However, its production is largely affected by the fungal disease Sclerotinia stem rot as well as seed glucosinolates. So far the genetic mechanisms controlling these two traits have been poorly understood. In the present study, three bi-parental doubled haploid B. napus populations M730, M692 and ZT were grown in either natural or artificial environments and genotyped using the Brassica 60K Infinium® SNPs and/or sequence related amplified polymorphisms. Three genetic linkage maps covered 2,597.7 cM, 2,474.1 cM and 1,731.6 cM in 19 chromosomes for M730, M692 and ZT, respectively. Plants were inoculated with Sclerotinia sclerotiorum mycelia on stems at the reproductive stage to evaluate their resistivity. Four aliphatic glucosinolates and one indolic glucosinolate were detected in the seeds using high-performance liquid chromatography. 4-hydroxy-3-indolylmethyl predominated over aliphatic glucosinolates in canola, but inversely constituted a small portion of total glucosinolate content in semi-winter rapeseed. In rapeseed, 2-hydroxy-3-butenyl predominated in 4C aliphatic glucosinolates, which in turn predominated in total aliphatic glucosinolates, which likewise predominated in total glucosinolate content. QTLs regulating major glucosinolates were located on chromosome A9 for high glucosinolate content populations M730 and ZT, and on chromosome C7 for low glucosinolate content population M692. Major QTLs for Sclerotinia stem rot resistance were located on chromosomes A7 and C6 in M730, on chromosomes A3 and A7 in ZT, while no major QTLs were found in M692. Additive genetic effect was the major factor explaining phenotypic variations of the two traits. No direct genetic relationship was observed between Sclerotinia stem rot resistance in adult plants and seed glucosinolates in B. napus. The findings in the studies could be used to formulate breeding and research strategies in B. napus and the major QTLs controlling the two traits and their closely linked SNP markers could be validated over wide germplasm and used in marker assisted selection. / October 2016