QTL Mapping Combined With Transcriptome Analysis to Identify Candidate Genes for Silique Number in Rapeseed

ABSTRACT Silique number is an important yield trait in rapeseed. Identifying the genetic loci and analyzing the molecular mechanism of this trait are of great significance for increasing rapeseed yield. In this study, we conducted a quantitative trait loci (QTL) analysis for silique number using a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population, and detected seven QTLs for silique number across two environments, explaining 5.97%–9.05% of the phenotypic variation. The transcriptome sequencing analysis of extreme lines with more silique and less silique showed sulfur and glycosyl compounds metabolism is crucial for flower bud differentiation in shoot apical meristem (SAM) of rapeseed. By integrating the QTL mapping results with transcriptome data, we identified four candidate genes involved in regulating silique number, including BnaA06g27290D, BnaA06g27360D, BnaC06g10070D and BnaC06g10100D . The findings not only enhance the understanding of the genetic and molecular basis of silique formation but also provide valuable genetic loci and gene resources for molecular breeding aimed at yield improvement in rapeseed.