Quantitative Trait Loci and Candidate Gene Mapping of Bud Set and Bud Flush in Populus

The genetic control of bud phenology in hybrid poplar was studied by mapping quantitative trait loci (QTL) affecting the timing of autumn bud set and spring bud flush. The founders of the mapping pedigree were collected from widely separated latitudes to maximize segregating variation for dormancy-related traits in the F2 generation—the female Populus trichocarpa parent is from Washington State (48°N) and the male P. deltoides parent is from Texas (31°N). Bud set and bud flush timing were measured on the F2 generation in a replicated clonal field trial. Using a linkage map constructed of AFLP and microsatellite markers, three QTL controlling bud set and six QTL controlling bud flush were detected. Additionally, five candidate genes believed to be involved in perception of photoperiod (PHYB1, PHYB2) or transduction of abscisic acid response signals (ABI1B, ABI1D, and ABI3) were placed on the QTL map. PHYB2 and ABI1B were found to be coincident with QTL affecting bud set and bud flush.