QTL Mapping of Kernel Number-Related Traits and Validation of One Major QTL for Ear Length in Maize

Overview

Journal PLoS One

Specialties General Medicine
Science

Date 2016 May 14

PMID 27176215

Citations 13

Authors

Dongao Huo

Qiang Ning

Xiaomeng Shen

Lei Liu

Zuxin Zhang

Affiliations

Soon will be listed here.

Abstract

The kernel number is a grain yield component and an important maize breeding goal. Ear length, kernel number per row and ear row number are highly correlated with the kernel number per ear, which eventually determines the ear weight and grain yield. In this study, two sets of F2:3 families developed from two bi-parental crosses sharing one inbred line were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for four kernel number-related traits: ear length, kernel number per row, ear row number and ear weight. A total of 39 QTLs for the four traits were identified in the two populations. The phenotypic variance explained by a single QTL ranged from 0.4% to 29.5%. Additionally, 14 overlapping QTLs formed 5 QTL clusters on chromosomes 1, 4, 5, 7, and 10. Intriguingly, six QTLs for ear length and kernel number per row overlapped in a region on chromosome 1. This region was designated qEL1.10 and was validated as being simultaneously responsible for ear length, kernel number per row and ear weight in a near isogenic line-derived population, suggesting that qEL1.10 was a pleiotropic QTL with large effects. Furthermore, the performance of hybrids generated by crossing 6 elite inbred lines with two near isogenic lines at qEL1.10 showed the breeding value of qEL1.10 for the improvement of the kernel number and grain yield of maize hybrids. This study provides a basis for further fine mapping, molecular marker-aided breeding and functional studies of kernel number-related traits in maize.

Citing Articles

Validation of QTLs associated with corn borer resistance and grain yield: implications in maize breeding.

Lopez-Malvar A, Resendiz-Ramirez Z, Butron A, Jimenez-Galindo J, Revilla P, Malvar R Front Plant Sci. 2024; 15:1404881.

PMID: 39502914 PMC: 11536317. DOI: 10.3389/fpls.2024.1404881.

Hotspot Regions of Quantitative Trait Loci and Candidate Genes for Ear-Related Traits in Maize: A Literature Review.

Zhang X, Sun J, Zhang Y, Li J, Liu M, Li L Genes (Basel). 2024; 15(1).

PMID: 38275597 PMC: 10815758. DOI: 10.3390/genes15010015.

Genetic architecture of ear traits based on association mapping and co-expression networks in maize inbred lines and hybrids.

Li T, Yang H, Zhang X, Zhu L, Zhang J, Wei N Mol Breed. 2023; 43(11):78.

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The Genetic Structures and Molecular Mechanisms Underlying Ear Traits in Maize ( L.).

Dong Z, Wang Y, Bao J, Li Y, Yin Z, Long Y Cells. 2023; 12(14).

PMID: 37508564 PMC: 10378120. DOI: 10.3390/cells12141900.

Meta-QTL analysis and candidate genes identification for various abiotic stresses in maize ( L.) and their implications in breeding programs.

Sheoran S, Gupta M, Kumari S, Kumar S, Rakshit S Mol Breed. 2023; 42(5):26.

PMID: 37309532 PMC: 10248626. DOI: 10.1007/s11032-022-01294-9.

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