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Mapping of quantitative trait loci for kernel row number in maize across seven environments

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Abstract

Genetic factors controlling quantitative inheritance of grain yield and its components have been intensively investigated during recent decades using diverse populations in maize (Zea mays L.). Notwithstanding this, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for kernel row number (KRN) with large and consistent effect have not been identified. In this study, a linkage map of 150 simple sequence repeat (SSR) loci was constructed by using a population of 500 F2 individuals derived from a cross between elite inbreds Ye478 and Dan340. The linkage map spanned a total of 1478 cM with an average interval of 10.0 cM. A total of 397 F2:3 lines were evaluated across seven diverse environments for mapping QTL for KRN. Some QTL for grain yield and its components had previously been confirmed with this population across environments. A total of 13 QTL for KRN were identified, with each QTL explaining from 3.0 to 17.9% of phenotypic variance. The gene action for KRN was mainly additive to partial dominance. A large-effect QTL (qkrn7) with partial dominance effect accounting for 17.9% of the phenotypic variation for KRN was identified on chromosome 7 near marker umc1865 with consistent gene effect across seven diverse environments. This study has laid a foundation for map-based cloning of this major QTL and for developing molecular markers for marker-assisted selection of high KRN.

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Abbreviations

A:

Additive

CD:

Cob diameter

CI:

Confidence interval

CIM:

Composite interval mapping method

cM:

CentiMorgan

CV:

Coefficient of variation

D:

Dominance

d/a:

Dominance effects/additive effects

ED:

Ear diameter

EL:

Ear length

GY:

Grain yield

IM:

Interval mapping

KNE:

Kernel number per ear

KNR:

Kernel number per row

KRN:

Kernel row number

KW:

100-kernel weight

LOD:

Logarithm of odds

OD:

Overdominance

PCR:

Polymerase chain reaction

PD:

Partial dominance

QTL:

Quantitative trait locus

SSR:

Simple sequence repeat

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Acknowledgments

This research was supported by “973” program (2009CB118400-04) from the China Ministry of Science and Technology and a Program (30871535) from the National Science Foundation of China. We are thankful to Dr. Yunbi Xu from the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Center (CIMMYT) for suggestions and revisions to this manuscript.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. National Key Facility of Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement, Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 12th Zhong-guan-cun South Street, 100081, Haidian, Beijing, People’s Republic of China

    Ming Lu, Chuan-Xiao Xie, Xin-Hai Li, Zhuan-Fang Hao, Ming-Shun Li, Jian-Feng Weng, De-Gui Zhang, Li Bai & Shi-Huang Zhang

  2. Institute of Maize Research, Jilin Academy of Agricultural Sciences, 136100, Gong-zhu-ling, People’s Republic of China

    Ming Lu

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  1. Ming Lu
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Correspondence to Chuan-Xiao Xie or Shi-Huang Zhang.

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Supplementary Fig. 1

The ears of inbred Ye478, Dan340 and their F1. (PDF 28 kb)

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Lu, M., Xie, CX., Li, XH. et al. Mapping of quantitative trait loci for kernel row number in maize across seven environments. Mol Breeding 28, 143–152 (2011). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11032-010-9468-3

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