Mapping covariation quantitative trait loci that control organ growth and whole-plant biomass

Covariation between organ growth and biomass accumulation plays an important role in plants. Plant to capture optimal fitness in nature, which depend coordinate and interact for distinct organs such as leaves, stems, and roots. Although many studies have focused on plant growth or biomass allocation, detailed information on the genetic mechanism of coordinated variation is lacking. Here, we expand a new mapping model based on functional mapping to detect covariation quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that govern development of plant organs and whole biomass, which, via a series of hypothesis tests, allows quantification of how QTLs regulate covariation between organ growth and biomass accumulation. The model was implemented to analyze leaf number data and the whole dry weight of recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of Arabidopsis. Two key QTLs related to growth and biomass allocation that reside within biologically meaningful genes, CRA1 and HIPP25, are characterized. These two genes may control covariation between two traits. The new model will enable the elucidation of the genetic architecture underlying growth and biomass accumulation, which may enhance our understanding of fitness development in plants.