Researcher(s)
- Austin Jensen, Biological Sciences, University of Delaware
Faculty Mentor(s)
- Ashley Hostetler, USDA NIFA Postdoctoral Fellow UD Sparks Lab Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware
- Erin Sparks, Delaware Biotechnology Institute, Department of Plant and Soil Sciences, University of Delaware
Abstract
Brace roots have been shown to be important for plant anchorage and lodging (vertical displacement of crop stems) resistance. With the increasing prevalence of lodging caused by climate-induced storm systems, it is necessary to identify the genetic basis of brace roots in major cereal crops. Despite its agricultural significance, Sorghum’s genetic basis of brace roots has not been defined. For this reason, the goal of this project was to identify genomic regions associated with brace root whorl number through quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of a recombinant inbred line population (RIL). A genetic map consisting of 1,661 markers was used to identify two QTL associated with brace root whorl number. Within these QTL, several candidate genes with known associations in root development were identified. Collectively, these findings are the first to determine regions of the genome associated with brace root development within sorghum. By understanding the genetic basis of these complex traits, individuals in agriculture can breed for favorable phenotypes for more sustainable practices.