Research Article

Quantitative trait locus analysis for kernel width using maize recombinant inbred lines

Published: November 19, 2015
Genet. Mol. Res. 14 (4) : 14496-14502 DOI: https://doi.org/10.4238/2015.November.18.12
Cite this Article:
G.Q. Hui, G.Q. Wen, X.H. Liu, H.P. Yang, Q. Luo, H.X. Song, L. Wen, Y. Sun, H.M. Zhang (2015). Quantitative trait locus analysis for kernel width using maize recombinant inbred lines. Genet. Mol. Res. 14(4): 14496-14502. https://doi.org/10.4238/2015.November.18.12
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Abstract

Maize (Zea mays L.) kernel width is one of the most important traits that is related to yield and appearance. To understand its genetic mechanisms more clearly, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) segregation population consisting of 239 RILs was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for kernel width. We found four QTLs on chromosomes 3 (one), 5 (two), and 10 (one). The QTLs were close to their adjacent markers, with a range of 0-23.8 cM, and explained 6.2-19.7% of the phenotypic variation. The three QTLs on chromosomes 3 and 5 had positive additive effects, and to a certain extent increased kernel width, whereas the one on chromosome 10 exhibited negative additive effects and decreased kernel width. These results can be used for gene cloning and marker-assisted selection in maize-breeding programs.

Maize (Zea mays L.) kernel width is one of the most important traits that is related to yield and appearance. To understand its genetic mechanisms more clearly, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) segregation population consisting of 239 RILs was used for quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping for kernel width. We found four QTLs on chromosomes 3 (one), 5 (two), and 10 (one). The QTLs were close to their adjacent markers, with a range of 0-23.8 cM, and explained 6.2-19.7% of the phenotypic variation. The three QTLs on chromosomes 3 and 5 had positive additive effects, and to a certain extent increased kernel width, whereas the one on chromosome 10 exhibited negative additive effects and decreased kernel width. These results can be used for gene cloning and marker-assisted selection in maize-breeding programs.