Multi-locus genome-wide association studies reveal novel alleles for flowering time under vernalisation and extended photoperiod in a barley MAGIC population.

Key genes controlling flowering and interactions of different photoperiod alleles with various environments were identified in a barley MAGIC population. A new candidate gene for vernalisation requirements was also detected. Optimal flowering time has a major impact on grain yield in crop species, including the globally important temperate cereal crop barley (Hordeum vulgare L.

Using chlorate as an analogue to nitrate to identify candidate genes for nitrogen use efficiency in barley.

Unlabelled: Nitrogen (N) is one of the most important macronutrients for crop growth and development. Large amounts of N fertilizers are applied exogenously to improve grain yield and quality, which has led to environmental pollution and high cost of production. Therefore, improvement of N use efficiency (NUE) is a very important aspect for sustainable agriculture.