QTL analysis of seed germination traits in tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum L.)

Genetic mapping of seed germination traits has been performed with many plant species. In tobacco, however, investigations are rare. In the present study, a bi-parental mapping population consisting of 118 doubled haploid lines and derived from a cross between ‘Beinhart-1000’ and ‘Hicks’ was investigated. Four germination-related traits, total germination (TG), normal germination (NG), time to reach 50% of total germination (T50), and the area under the curve after 200 h of germination (AUC) were considered by examining seeds either untreated or after a moderate controlled deterioration (CD). Quantitative trait loci were found for all traits distributed on 11 out of the 24 linkage groups. It was demonstrated that, as in many other species, germination-related traits are very complex and under polygenic control. SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13353-021-00623-6.