Identification of quantitative trait loci and candidate genes controlling the tocopherol synthesis pathway in soybean (Glycine max)

Abstract A recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and their candidate genes controlling the tocopherol (Toc) synthesis pathway. The RIL population was cultivated in field conditions in 3 years. A genetic map constructed using 1624 DNA markers was used for QTL analysis. We identified 22 QTLs for seed tocopherol contents and their ratios, of which two QTL clusters on chromosomes (Chr) 9 and 14 exerted consistent large effects on tocopherol composition across the 3 years. The QTL cluster localized on Chr 9 might correspond to γ‐TMT3 , which controls the conversion of γ‐Toc into α‐Toc. The QTL cluster localized on Chr 14 was novel, which might regulate the conversion of MPBQ (a precursor of δ‐Toc) into DMPBQ (the precursor of γ‐Toc). The effect of the QTL cluster on Chr 14 was validated in a pair of near isogenic lines, and its candidate gene was mined. The identified QTLs and their candidate genes might be used in breeding programmes to improve α‐Toc content in soybean seeds.