A backcrossed population (BC1) derived from a cross between C100 and Dazao was obtained. The quantitative trait loci (QTLs) of the economically important traits for whole cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, ratio of cocoon shell and weight of pupae, etc., were analyzed for the first time using the multiple interval mapping software WinQTLCart2.0. In total 40 QTLs were detected and contributed to 21 groups based on the constructed linkage map. According to the mapping results, 2, 2, 3, and 2 major QTLs explained over 20% of total phenotypic variations, whereas four QTLs, namely qCW-19, qSW-2, qCSR-4, and qPW-23, explained more than 30% of total phenotypic variations for whole cocoon weight, cocoon shell weight, ratio of cocoon shell and weight of pupae, respectively. Correlated traits QTLs often share the same location. Furthermore, most of the detected QTLs were closed to one-side marker. By using the very closed markers, positive QTLs can be aggregated, which can form a basis for molecular marker-assisted selection and breeding.
The posterior silk gland (PSG) of silkworm is an important organ where fibroin is synthesized and secreted exclusively. Because fibroin constitutes 75-80% of the silk filament, the mechanism governing fibroin secretion, quality and yield of cocoon can be elucidated by the study on the PSG. Using two-dimensional gel electrophoresis (2-DE) and image analysis system, the changes in the protein composition in the PSG cell were investigated on the day 1 (D1) and day 4 (D4) in the 5th instar stage from five different strains of silkworm (Bombyx mori). While differences at protein level between days and strains were far less than those observed at the gene level using EST analysis. The change trends in protein composition from D1 to D4 were diverse among the different strains. The results suggest that the secretion of fibroin is regulated by multiple proteins. The site of regulation and the proteins responsible for the regulation vary with the strain, which leads to differences between strains in the capacity of fibroin secretion in the PSG cell.
