association analyses

Grain weight is a key determinant of wheat yield. Dissection of more grain weight genes is crucial for improving wheat yield potential. Using homologous cloning method, a total of 104 rice grain weight genes was collected from published studies and their corresponding 314 homologous genes were identified in wheat. Spatiotemporal expression analysis revealed that grain weight genes exhibit diverse expression profiles, with few showing grain-specific expression patterns. Approximately 36,000 variants in these grain weight genes were identified in a large natural wheat population. Candidate gene association analysis, using 490 common wheat accessions across five environments, revealed that 146 genes are significantly associated with grain weight. Favorable alleles were significantly enriched in modern wheat cultivars lines as a result of breeding practices. These findings contribute to a better understanding of the genetic architecture of grain development and weight, offering potential targets for future wheat yield improvement.