GrainGenes Reference Report: CRC-2025:e00637
Reference
CRC-2025:e00637
Title
Genetic associations and functional validation of the potential candidate genes that enhance macronutrient accumulation in barley grains
Year
2025
Author
[ Hide all but 1 of 6 ] Al Aboud NM Safhi FA Schierenbeck M Alquadah AM Jajjour AA Thabet SG
Abstract
Knowledge of the degree of nutritional variation in barley germplasm is essential for effective yield potential and crop improvement. Therefore, understanding the genetic determinants controlling the macronutrient accumulation, including magnesium (Mg) and calcium (Ca) in barley germplasm is a key source of desirable traits for barley biofortification. This study examined the genetic mapping underpinning the accumulation of macronutrients in a diverse collection of 216 barley accessions using a genome-wide association study (GWAS). Extensive phenotypic variation was detected for both nutrients across the genotypes and years. Broad-sense heritability equaled 72.88 (Ca) and 87.41 (Mg). High positive Pearson correlation coefficients were observed across environments for each assessed macronutrient. In total, 44 significant single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were identified across all barley chromosomes associated with macronutrient concentration. Interestingly, two genomic regions were exclusively identified on chromosomes 1H and 5H comprising 287 potential candidate genes. The gene expression analysis for selected candidates demonstrated diverse responses across various grain tissues and spikes during the grain filling stage. Based on qRT-PCR, this study’s temporal gene expression patterns suggest a strong correlation between candidate gene activity during the two-leaf seedling stage and the processes underpinning macronutrient dynamics in barley, particularly Ca and Mg. Early upregulation of genes at 2–6 h may enhance nutrient uptake and initial transport, while later peaks, particularly at 12 and 36 h, likely support nutrient mobilization and allocation necessary for sustained growth and grain nutrient accumulation. These findings highlight the potential roles of these candidate genes in regulating Ca and Mg-related physiological processes, offering valuable insights for improving nutrient content in barley through targeted genetic and agronomic strategies.
External Databases
https://doi.org/10.1007/s42976-025-00637-4
GrainGenes is a product of the Agricultural Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture.
GrainGenes Reference Report: CRC-2025:e00637
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GrainGenes is a product of the Agricultural Research Service of the US Department of Agriculture. | |||