Dynamic QTL mapping for plant height in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum)

Plant height served as one of model traits to analyse dynamic development. The objective of this research was to investigate quantitative trait loci (QTL) and dynamic QTL for plant height trait using an intraspecific recombinant inbred line (RIL) population and a constructed genetic map in Upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.). Totally, 41 QTL and 23 conditional QTL controlling plant height were detected at two experimental environments, respectively. Four stable QTL were identified simultaneously in both environments. Some QTL identified at the early stage could not be detected at the final stage at plant maturity. Conditional QTL with different genetic effects were identified at certain stages, demonstrating that the expression of QTL had temporal characteristic during plant growth. Therefore, the study of dynamic QTL could unravel temporal genetic patterns controlling complex developmental quantitative traits.