Mapping of the Waxy Gene in Brassica napus L. via Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) and Whole-Genome Resequencing
Round 1
Reviewer 1 Report
The manuscript entitled “Mapping of the Waxy Gene in Brassica napus L. by Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) and Whole-Genome Resequencing” was reviewed thoroughly. The work presented in the manuscript is a classical genetic work on wax powder development on Brassica plants. Authors have made significant efforts to delineate the genetics of wax development on brassica plants. The results of the study have significant importance to brassica breeders across the globe. There are few concerns to be clarified in the manuscript before acceptance.
The abstract of the manuscript is written crisp and well. The genetic ratio presented in the abstract is a digenic interaction and is not a complete dominance, it’s an example of duplicate dominance. Rectify in the abstract and related parts in the manuscript.
Its mentioned as 15:1 ratio but three candidate genes were identified and expression studies conducted, looks contradictory. Rectify/ clarify it.
In the introduction, the hypothesis and objectives of the study need to be defined clearly.
In M&M section, the groups described from F3 onwards, on what basis these groups were formed? On the basis of phenotype? Describe clearly.
There is spelling mistake, ‘self-inbring’, it should be ‘self-inbred’ in fig. 1
Results are described well
The discussion looks weak in explaining the role of wax powder variation in the brassica sp improvement in regular breeding programs.
The manuscript may be accepted after a minor revision.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: 
Author Response.pdf
Reviewer 2 Report
The study “Mapping of the Waxy Gene in Brassica napus L. by Bulked Segregant Analysis (BSA) and Whole-Genome Resequencing” conducts genetic analysis and identifies/validates SNPs associated with waxiness in Brassica napus.
Following are my specific suggestions and comments on the manuscript:
Line 16: Write filial generations as subscript (e.g., F2) wherever applicable.
Figure 1: Are there allele/gene symbols for ‘waxy’ trait? Figure would look more readable with allele/gene symbols rather than text.
Line 106 to 130: Where were these crossings/selfings conducted: greenhouse or field?
Line 134: Why are these growth stages of the plant chosen for sampling for wax power trait?
Line 144: Are these three parents ‘waxy’ or waxless’?
Line 179: Why was the 12-leaf stage chosen for sampling, RNA extraction, and gene expression studies?
Figure 2: Can you mark/label the region(s) where wax crystal structure is present?
Line 302: What is the homology between these two candidate genes governing the ‘waxy’ trait? Mention their %homology in the results. Are they duplicate genes?
e.g., Line 141: Use of past tense needed.
Author Response
Please see the attachment.
Author Response File: Author Response.pdf
