Shared QTLs underlie loss of a conserved trait in replicate mapping populations of Arabidopsis thaliana

A large-effect short stamen number QTL on chromosome 5 is consistent across two Arabidopsis thaliana RIL crosses, but co-localizes with ovule number and flowering time only in Belm-12 x Roda-47.

• Why it matters: The genetic basis for repeatable loss of a conserved floral trait is unclear, and natural correlations with ovule number and flowering time suggest linkage or pleiotropy may shape stamen evolution.
• What they did: QTL mapping was performed for stamen number, ovule number, and flowering time in two RIL sets, Belm-12 x Roda-47 and Tsu-1 x Kas-1, followed by tests for pleiotropy among chromosome 5 loci.
• The result: In Belm-12 x Roda-47, chromosome 5 QTLs link short stamen number with flowering time and each may affect ovule number, whereas in Tsu-1 x Kas-1 the ovule and flowering time QTLs map elsewhere.

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