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Association genetics in Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata identifies single nucleotide polymorphisms affecting wood growth and cellulosic pulp yield
Author(s) -
Dillon Shan K.,
Brawner Jeremy T.,
Meder Roger,
Lee David J.,
Southerton Simon G.
Publication year - 2012
Publication title -
new phytologist
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 3.742
H-Index - 244
eISSN - 1469-8137
pISSN - 0028-646X
DOI - 10.1111/j.1469-8137.2012.04200.x
Subject(s) - biology , single nucleotide polymorphism , linkage disequilibrium , association mapping , nucleotide diversity , candidate gene , phenotype , gene , phenotypic trait , genetic association , quantitative trait locus , genetics , allele , haplotype , genotype
Summary• Wood is an important biological resource which contributes to nutrient and hydrology cycles through ecosystems, and provides structural support at the plant level. Thousands of genes are involved in wood development, yet their effects on phenotype are not well understood. We have exploited the low genomic linkage disequilibrium (LD) and abundant phenotypic variation of forest trees to explore allelic diversity underlying wood traits in an association study. • Candidate gene allelic diversity was modelled against quantitative variation to identify SNPs influencing wood properties, growth and disease resistance across three populations of Corymbia citriodora subsp. variegata, a forest tree of eastern Australia. • Nine single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) associations from six genes were identified in a discovery population (833 individuals). Associations were subsequently tested in two smaller populations (130–160 individuals), ‘validating’ our findings in three cases for actin 7 (ACT7) and COP1 interacting protein 7 (CIP7). • The results imply a functional role for these genes in mediating wood chemical composition and growth, respectively. A flip in the effect of ACT7 on pulp yield between populations suggests gene by environment interactions are at play. Existing evidence of gene function lends strength to the observed associations, and in the case of CIP7 supports a role in cortical photosynthesis.