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Toward positional cloning of Vgt1, a QTL controlling the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase in maize

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Abstract

Vgt1 (Vegetative to generative transition 1) is a quantitative trait locus (QTL) for flowering time in maize (Zea mays L.). Vgt1 was initially mapped in a ca. 5-cM interval on chromosome bin 8.05, using a set of near-isogenic lines (NILs) in the genetic background of the late dent line N28, with the earliness allele introgressed from the early variety Gaspé Flint. A new large mapping population was produced by crossing N28 and one early NIL with a ca. 6-cM long Gaspé Flint introgression at the Vgt1 region. Using PCR-based assays at markers flanking Vgt1, 69 segmental NILs homozygous for independent crossovers near the QTL were developed. When the NILs were tested in replicated field trials for days to pollen shed (DPS) and plant node number (ND), the QTL followed a Mendelian segregation. Using bulk segregant analysis and AFLP profiling, 17 AFLP markers linked to the QTL region were identified. Statistical analysis indicated a substantial coincidence of the effects of Vgt1 on both DPS and ND. Vgt1 was mapped at ca. 0.3 cM from an AFLP marker. As compared to DPS, the higher heritability of ND allowed for a more accurate assessment of the effects of Vgt1. The feasibility of the positional cloning of Vgt1 is discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Agroenvironmental Science and Technology, University of Bologna, Via Filippo Re 6-8, 40126 , Bologna, Italy

    Silvio Salvi, Roberto Tuberosa, Elena Chiapparino & Marco Maccaferri

  2. Monsanto S.A.S, Centre de Boissay, Toury , 28310, France

    Stanislas Veillet

  3. Advanta Seeds, PO Box 1, 4410 AA, Rilland, Netherlands

    Leon van Beuningen

  4. Agrogene SA, 620 Avenue Blaise Pascal, ZI, Moissy Cramayel 77555, France

    Peter Isaac

  5. IACR-Long Ashton Research Station, Department of Agricultural Sciences, University of Bristol, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9AF, UK

    Keith Edwards

  6. Department of Agronomy and Plant Genetics, University of Minnesota, 1991 Upper Buford Circle, Saint Paul, MN , 55108, USA

    Ronald L. Phillips

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  1. Silvio Salvi
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  2. Roberto Tuberosa
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Salvi, S., Tuberosa, R., Chiapparino, E. et al. Toward positional cloning of Vgt1, a QTL controlling the transition from the vegetative to the reproductive phase in maize. Plant Mol Biol 48, 601–613 (2002). https://doi.org/10.1023/A:1014838024509

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