Major Quantitative Trait Loci Analysis of Tassel Primary Branch Number and Tassel Weight in Maize (Zea mays)
控制玉米雄穗分枝数目和雄穗重的主效QTL的定位

Tassel-related traits of maize are important for modern maize breeding and production. To understand the genetic basis of tassel traits, we evaluated 230 and 235 F2:3 families derived from the Qi319×Huangzaosi population (Q/H) and the Ye478×Huangzaosi population (Y/H), under 6 different environments (2007-Beijing, 2008-Beijing, 2007-Henan, 2008-Henan, 2007-Xinjiang, and 2008-Xinjiang). We aimed to map quantitative trait loci (QTL) controlling tassel primary branch number and tassel weight by using the inclusive composite interval mapping method (ICIM). QTLNetwork v2.0 was used to analyze epistasis among QTL and QTL-by-environment interaction. We identified 51 QTL controlling tassel-related traits in the 2 populations (32 QTL in Q/H and 19 in Y/H), with 7 major QTL detected. The umc2160–umc1016 interval on chromosome bin 7.01 (Qqtpbn7-1) and bnlg1094–bnlg1579 on bin 7.02 (Qqtw7-2) were found to be important QTL regions for the Q/H population. Furthermore, 3 QTL were consistent between Q/H and Y/H. The QTL that were consistent in different environments or genetic backgrounds could be useful for precision mapping and positional cloning.