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Genetic control of cuticular wax compounds in Eucalyptus globulus

journal contribution
posted on 2023-05-18, 15:22 authored by Gosney, BJ, Bradley PottsBradley Potts, Julianne O'Reilly-WapstraJulianne O'Reilly-Wapstra, Rene VaillancourtRene Vaillancourt, Hugh FitzgeraldHugh Fitzgerald, Noel DaviesNoel Davies, Jules FreemanJules Freeman
  • Plant cuticular wax compounds perform functions that are essential for the survival of terrestrial plants. Despite their importance, the genetic control of these compounds is poorly understood outside of model taxa. Here we investigate the genetic basis of variation in cuticular compounds in Eucalyptus globulus using quantitative genetic and quantitative trait loci (QTL) analyses.

  • Quantitative genetic analysis was conducted using 246 open-pollinated progeny from 13 native sub-races throughout the geographic range. QTL analysis was conducted using 112 clonally replicated progeny from an outcross F2 population.

  • Nine compounds exhibited significant genetic variation among sub-races with three exhibiting signals of diversifying selection. Fifty-two QTL were found with co-location of QTL for related compounds commonly observed. Notable among these was the QTL for five wax esters, which co-located with a gene from the KCS family, previously implicated in the biosynthesis of cuticular waxes in Arabidopsis.

  • In combination, the QTL and quantitative genetic analyses suggest the variation and differentiation in cuticular wax compounds within E. globulus has a complex genetic origin. Sub-races exhibited independent latitudinal and longitudinal differentiation in cuticular wax compounds, likely reflecting processes such as historic gene flow and diversifying selection acting upon genes that have diverse functions in distinct biochemical pathways.

Funding

Australian Research Council

History

Publication title

New Phytologist

Volume

209

Pagination

202-215

ISSN

0028-646X

Department/School

School of Natural Sciences

Publisher

Blackwell Publishing Ltd

Place of publication

9600 Garsington Rd, Oxford, England, Oxon, Ox4 2Dg

Rights statement

Copyright? 2015 University of Tasmania. New Phytologist Copyright? 2015 New Phytologist Trust

Repository Status

  • Restricted

Socio-economic Objectives

Hardwood plantations

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    University Of Tasmania

    Categories

    Keywords

    QTLcuticlewax

    Licence

    In Copyright

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