Mapping quantitative trait loci (QTLs) not only provides important useful information on the number and location of the loci that control quantitative trait, but can also be used in marker assisted selection as well. In this study, QTLs controlling plant height, peduncle length, head length and flag leaf area were mapped and characterized in a segregating population of 144 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross of Kauz and Montana. The traits were assessed in field trials at two locations in 2001 and 2002. Not all traits were scored in each experiment. One hundred and sixty six SSR and 3 AFLP markers were used to construct a linkage map containing 18 linkage groups and covering 16 chromosomes in wheat. Using the method of composite interval mapping 3,3,2 and 3 QTLs were detected for height, peduncle length, head length and leaf area, respectively. Located on chromosome 2B, 4B and 4D, the QTLs for plant height explained 41% of the phenotypic variance in a simultaneous fit. The QTLs for peduncle length and plant height were exactly located at the same regions reflecting high correlation between the two traits. The three QTLs contributed 24.1% to the phenotypic variation in peduncle length. The QTLs for head length were located on chromosome 2D and 6B explaining 16.8% of the phenotypic variance. Contributing 9.7% to the phenotypic variance, the QTLs for leaf area were located on chromosomes 1B, 5B and 2D. Some of the detected QTLs are being reported for the first time and some are in agreement with the previous studies.
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