QTL Identification for Leaf Senescence in Perennial Ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.)

In plants, lifespan is agronomically important as it is a major determinant of productivity. The onset of leaf senescence is associated with the decrease in photosynthetic capability that reduces herbage yield and biomass production. This research aims to identify genes/quantitative trait loci (QTL) that can prolong photosynthesis and delay the senescence processes in Lolium perenne. This study is vital for understanding the mechanism of senescence and also for practical purposes such as improvement of productivity, silage and hay quality and stress tolerance. A linkage map of an F2 Lolium perenne population derived from a cross between genotypes of the cultivars Aurora and Perma was developed by IBERS consisting of seven linkage groups. This same population was used for the characterisation of leaf senescence related traits. Four different phenotyping activities were conducted, namely: (1) detached leaf senescence under natural light; (2) dark-induced senescence of detached leaves; (3) attached leaves grown in a controlled environment and (4) attached leaves grown under unheated green-house conditions with natural light.