Comparison of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with yield components in two commercial Dura × Pisifera breeding crosses

The high yielding tenera is the commercial oil palm planting material of choice in Southeast Asia. Notwithstanding this, there is continuous effort to further improve the yield and one way to do this is by addressing the yield components (YCs). Using 4451 SNP and over 600 SSR markers, this study revealed quantitative trait loci (QTL) associated with YCs in two breeding populations, a Deli dura × Yangambi pisifera (P2) and a Deli dura × AVROS pisifera (KULIM DxP). Thirteen and 29 QTLs were identified in P2 and KULIM DxP, respectively. They were compared to other YC-linked QTLs reported previously for different genetic backgrounds by mapping the QTL-linked markers to the oil palm genome. The comparison revealed four common chromosomes containing QTLs influencing various YCs. The results reveal the possible presence of closely linked loci or pleiotropic genes influencing YCs in oil palm. Exploiting the genome data has also facilitated the discovery of candidate genes within or near the QTL regions including those related to glycosylation, fatty acid and oil biosynthesis, and development of flower, seed and fruit.