Data from: Genetic analysis of inflorescence and plant height components in sorghum (Panicoidae) and comparative genetics with rice (Oryzoidae)

Background: Domestication has played an important role in shaping
characteristics of the inflorescence and plant height in cultivated
cereals. Taking advantage of meta-analysis of QTLs, phylogenetic analyses
in 502 diverse sorghum accessions, GWAS in a sorghum association panel
(n = 354) and comparative data, we provide insight into the genetic basis
of the domestication traits in sorghum and rice. Results: We performed
genome-wide association studies (GWAS) on 6 traits related to
inflorescence morphology and 6 traits related to plant height in sorghum,
comparing the genomic regions implicated in these traits by GWAS and QTL
mapping, respectively. In a search for signatures of selection, we
identify genomic regions that may contribute to sorghum domestication
regarding plant height, flowering time and pericarp color. Comparative
studies across taxa show functionally conserved ‘hotspots’ in sorghum and
rice for awn presence and pericarp color that do not appear to reflect
corresponding single genes but may indicate co-regulated clusters of
genes. We also reveal homoeologous regions retaining similar functions for
plant height and flowering time since genome duplication an estimated 70
million years ago or more in a common ancestor of cereals. In most such
homoeologous QTL pairs, only one QTL interval exhibits strong selection
signals in modern sorghum. Conclusions: Intersections among QTL, GWAS and
comparative data advance knowledge of genetic determinants of
inflorescence and plant height components in sorghum, and add new
dimensions to comparisons between sorghum and rice.