Genetic mapping and QTL analysis for seed yield, vegetative characters and cold tolerance in centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides)

• We firstly reported QTLs mapping of important horticultural traits of centipedegrass.
• We detected 14 QTLs on 9 linkage groups with 7 on female and 2 on male genetic map.
• 14 QTLs included 8 for yield, 5 for vegetative traits and 1 for cold tolerance.
• QTL cluster leading to the correlation of the corresponding traits was identified.
• This study enhances the understanding of the genetic basis of these traits.

Centipedegrass (Eremochloa ophiuroides) is an important warm-season turfgrass native to the warm temperate and tropical regions of China. Seed yield, vegetative characters and cold tolerance are important horticultural traits affecting the widespread application of this species. To elucidate the genetic mechanisms of these characteristics, we constructed genetic maps based on a population of 87 F1 plants from a cross between two ecotypes (E142 and E022) that significantly differed for the traits. Two types of molecular markers, sequence-related amplification polymorphisms (SRAPs) and expressed sequence tags from wheat [Triticum aestivum] (TaESTs), were employed to construct the genetic maps. The genetic map of E142 spanned a total genetic distance of 878.48 cM and contained 82 polymorphic loci, with an average genetic distance of 12.92 cM per marker. The genetic map of E022 covered a total genetic distance of 566.25 cM and contained 69 polymorphic loci, with an average genetic distance of 9.93 cM per marker. A total of 14 QTLs, comprising eight for seed yield, five for vegetative traits and one for cold tolerance, were detected on nine linkage groups: seven linkage groups of the E142 genetic map and two linkage groups of the E022 genetic map. Each of these QTLs explained 8.71–23.61% of the phenotypic variation. The results presented here will enhance the understanding of the genetic basis of seed yield, vegetative traits and cold tolerance in centipedegrass and enable further marker-assisted breeding in the species.