Fine-mapping of qGW4.05, a major QTL for kernel weight and size in maize

BMC Plant Biology

Research Article

Yu Li¹  Yunsu Shi¹  Xun Wu¹  Weiwei Qin¹  Yanchun Song¹  Xin Li¹  Xiaojing Zhang¹  Fuchao Jiao¹  Yong-xiang Li¹  Chunhui Li¹  Lin Chen¹  Dengfeng Zhang¹  Tianyu Wang¹ 

[1] Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, National Key Facility for Crop Gene Resources and Genetic Improvement (NFCRI), 100081, Beijing, China;

关键词: Maize;    Kernel weight;    Kernel size;    Fine-mapping;    Association mapping;   

DOI  :  10.1186/s12870-016-0768-6

 received in 2015-10-13, accepted in 2016-04-06,  发布年份 2016

来源: Springer

【 摘 要 】

BackgroundKernel weight and size are important components of grain yield in cereals. Although some information is available concerning the map positions of quantitative trait loci (QTL) for kernel weight and size in maize, little is known about the molecular mechanisms of these QTLs. qGW4.05 is a major QTL that is associated with kernel weight and size in maize. We combined linkage analysis and association mapping to fine-map and identify candidate gene(s) at qGW4.05.ResultsQTL qGW4.05 was fine-mapped to a 279.6-kb interval in a segregating population derived from a cross of Huangzaosi with LV28. By combining the results of regional association mapping and linkage analysis, we identified GRMZM2G039934 as a candidate gene responsible for qGW4.05. Candidate gene-based association mapping was conducted using a panel of 184 inbred lines with variable kernel weights and kernel sizes. Six polymorphic sites in the gene GRMZM2G039934 were significantly associated with kernel weight and kernel size.ConclusionThe results of linkage analysis and association mapping revealed that GRMZM2G039934 is the most likely candidate gene for qGW4.05. These results will improve our understanding of the genetic architecture and molecular mechanisms underlying kernel development in maize.

【 授权许可】

CC BY   
© Chen et al. 2016