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Genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity and genotype x environment interaction in a multi-parental population
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  • Isidore Diouf,
  • Laurent Derivot,
  • Shai KOUSSEVITZKY,
  • Yolande Carretero,
  • Frederique Bitton,
  • Laurence Moreau,
  • Mathilde Causse
Isidore Diouf
INRAE

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

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Laurent Derivot
GAUTIER Semences
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Shai KOUSSEVITZKY
Hazera
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Yolande Carretero
INRAE
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Frederique Bitton
INRAE
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Laurence Moreau
INRAE
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Mathilde Causse
INRAE
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Abstract

Deciphering the genetic basis of phenotypic plasticity and genotype x environment interaction (GxE) is of primary importance for plant breeding in the context of global climate change. Tomato is a widely cultivated crop that can grow in different geographical habitats and which evinces a great capacity of expressing phenotypic plasticity. We used a multi-parental advanced generation intercross (MAGIC) tomato population to explore GxE and plasticity for multiple traits measured in a multi-environment trial (MET) design comprising optimal cultural conditions and water deficit, salinity and heat stress over 12 environments. Substantial GxE was observed for all the traits measured. Different plasticity parameters were estimated through the Finlay-Wilkinson and factorial regression models and used together with the genotypic means for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping analyses. Mixed linear models were further used to investigate the presence of interactive QTLs (QEI). The results highlighted a complex genetic architecture of tomato plasticity and GxE. Candidate genes that might be involved in the occurrence of GxE were proposed, paving the way for functional characterization of stress response genes in tomato and breeding for climate-adapted crop.