| Development of high performing wheat cultivars, with high grain yield and end-use quality, is a major focus in wheat breeding programs worldwide. The main objective of the study was to identify chromosome regions harboring genes that influence end-use quality traits in hard red spring wheat lines. Agronomic traits, kernel characteristics, milling related traits, dough mixing strength, and bread-making properties were evaluated from a population of 139 recombinant inbred lines (RILs), two parental lines, and three check varieties grown at three Minnesota locations in 2006. Whole genome genetic linkage maps showing quantitative trait loci (QTL) were constructed. Genetic maps contained 531 SSR and DArT marker loci and covered all 21 chromosomes of wheat. Flanking markers were identified for the stem rust resistance gene Sr6 on chromosome 2D. Stable QTL clusters influencing kernel characteristics were identified on chromosome 2A, 5B, and 7A. Of the twenty-eight QTL that influenced milling properties, QTL clusters were identified on six chromosomes: 1A, 1B, 5A, 5B, 5D, and 7B. Six QTL were identified for endosperm texture, with the main QTL on chromosomes 1A, 5A and 5D. Eleven chromosome regions were associated with endosperm polymeric proteins. Forty-three QTL influenced dough-mixing strength and bread-making properties. DNA markers linked to these QTL will provide opportunity for increasing the frequency of desirable alleles through marker-assisted selection. |
