Triticeae Genomics and Genetics, 2025, Vol.16, No.6, 254-261 http://cropscipublisher.com/index.php/tgg 257 4.2 Candidate genes associated with stem strength and lignin biosynthesis Anti-lodging does not necessarily rely on external support. In crops, especially the components of the cell wall, actually play a very important role. For instance, in rice, a gene involved in lignin synthesis, OsPSLSq6, is located in an anti-lodging QTL region. It encodes cinnamoyl-coA reductase - an important member of the lignin synthesis pathway. In rapeseed, researchers, through cross-validation of GWAS and transcriptome data, also identified several genes related to lignin content and stem strength, some of which are transcription factors or glycoside hydrolases. They may indirectly enhance the mechanical properties of the stem by regulating the structure of the secondary cell wall, thereby achieving the effect of "anti-lodging" (Wei et al., 2017; Zhao et al., 2021; Yang et al., 2023). 4.3 Discovery of lodging-associated genetic loci through GWAS Sometimes, the resolution of traditional QTL localization is not fine enough, which requires GWAS to fill the gap. By analyzing the natural variations among different varieties, GWAS has identified over 120 QTL regions related to lodging in wheat. Many of the genes involved in these regions are involved in the construction of cell walls, hormone regulation, and even root growth. Not only wheat, but also crops such as soybeans have found similar results in related research, especially in terms of the chemical composition and structural stability of the stems. Although these traits themselves are very complex, GWAS has brought about a clearer genetic map. In the future, if the data obtained from GWAS is combined with genomic prediction models, perhaps those genotypes that truly "stand firm" can be selected more accurately (Zhao et al., 2021; Rabieyan et al., 2024; Zhao et al., 2024). 5 Integrated MAS Strategies for Lodging Resistance in Rye Breeding 5.1 Development and screening of molecular markers for lodging resistance Not all molecular markers can play a role in breeding practice, especially for crops like rye with a complex genetic background. In recent years, with the popularization of technologies such as genotyping sequencing (GBS) and KASP, there has finally been a breakthrough in the specific molecular markers for rye's lodging resistance. Dwarfting alleles like Ddw1 have been successfully located and linked to multiple stable markers, which can directly affect plant height and lodging resistance. Some rham-specific markers developed on PCR and KASP platforms can also distinguish chromosome arms, providing more precise tools for breeding. Compared with phenotypic screening that relies on environmental performance, these genetic markers can indeed target the material at an early stage, significantly improving the efficiency of MAS (Litvinov et al., 2020). 5.2 Multi-trait selection strategies: balancing lodging resistance and high yield The two goals of high yield and lodging resistance do not always coexist harmoniously in rye breeding. Sometimes, if you want the plants to stand firm, you have to sacrifice a little yield. However, in actual breeding, the two cannot be completely separated. Therefore, some teams have attempted a multi-trait combined selection strategy to simultaneously track multiple QTLS through molecular means, especially those loci related to both stem strength and grain yield (Huang and Wang, 2025). Integrating genotype data and actual phenotypic results in early generations can reduce the waste of resources in later selection and breeding. Even in different genetic contexts, this combined approach has demonstrated flexibility and stability in trait trade-offs (Kumar et al., 2018). 5.3 Combining MAS with early-generation selection and accelerated breeding Some traits slow down the breeding pace, and lodging resistance is one of them. However, if MAS is combined with early-generation screening or even advanced-generation propulsion technology, both the speed and accuracy can be improved. For instance, in previous generations, genotyping was accomplished with the aid of KASP or GBS technology, which could significantly reduce the time spent waiting for the manifestation of field traits. Subsequent phenotypic verification serves as a supplement to confirm whether the actual expression of these ideal alleles is in line with expectations. Some breeding projects have further introduced genomic selection models, turning MAS into a dynamically updated toolchain and no longer an isolated means. This combination of measures can significantly enhance the overall breeding efficiency, and it will no longer be far away to cultivate stable lodging resistant varieties in different ecological zones (He et al., 2014; Han et al., 2020; Anilkumar et al., 2022).
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