Chrysanthemums are highly prized ornamental plants known for their rich diversity in flower forms and colors. Plant height is a vital determinant of both quality and commercial value, especially in cut chrysanthemums. Traditionally, height has been managed using growth regulators, which are resource-intensive and pose environmental risks. Given these challenges, a deeper understanding of the genetic foundation controlling plant height is necessary to drive more sustainable and precise breeding efforts.
The led by researchers from Nanjing Agricultural University's State Key Laboratory of Crop Genetics & Germplasm Enhancement and Utilization, was published in Horticulture Research on November 14, 2023. The research team performed a genome-wide association study (GWAS) and selective sweep analysis on 200 chrysanthemum accessions. They identified 42 significant genetic associations related to plant height and its contributing traits, providing valuable markers for future breeding programs aimed at optimizing plant architecture.
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