Quantitative trait loci identification reveals cell-wall invertase 4 as a new candidate gene controlling tiller number in orchardgrass

population, and fifty-one of them are differentially expressed genes associated with tillering. Among these, DG2C06349 (DgCIN4), a homologous gene of the cell-wall invertase 4, increased the rosette branch number when overexpressed in Arabidopsis. These results indicate that DgCIN4 potentially regulates tiller number in orchardgrass and holds significant potential for breeding application aimed at improving branching ability in orchardgrass and other forage species.