Genetic architecture of maize yield traits dissected by QTL mapping and GWAS in maize

• DOI: 10.1016/j.cj.2021.07.008
• Publication Date: 2021-08-24T16:22:03Z
• Authors: Xiao Zhang; Zhiyong Ren; Bowen Luo; Haixu Zhong; Peng Ma; Hongkai Zhang; Hongmei Hu; Yikai Wang; Haiying Zhang; Dan Liu; Ling Wu; Zhi Nie; Yonghui Zhu; Wenzhu He; Suzhi Zhang; Shunzong Su; Yaou Shen; Shibin Gao
• Keywords: Candidate gene; Genome-wide Association Study; Germ plasm; Genetic architecture; Genetic Association; Association mapping; Inbred strain; Family-based QTL mapping; Trait

The study of yield traits can reveal the genetic architecture grain for improving maize production. In this study, an association panel comprising 362 inbred lines and a recombinant line population derived from X178 × 9782 were used to identify candidate genes nine traits. High-priority overlap (HPO) genes, which are prioritized in genome-wide (GWAS), investigated using coexpression networks. GWAS identified 51 environmentally stable SNPs two environments 36 pleiotropic SNPs, including three with both attributes. Seven hotspots containing 41 trait-associated on six chromosomes by permutation. Pyramiding superior alleles showed highly positive effect all traits, phenotypic values ear diameter weight consistently corresponded number tropical temperate germplasm. A total 61 HPO detected after combined Linkage mapping 16 QTL. that located QTL intervals assigned as consensus Among predicted our some confirmed function seed development. gene Zm00001d016656 encoding serine/threonine protein kinase was associated five different across multiple environments. Some uniquely expressed specific tissues at certain stages These findings will provide information resources molecular breeding yield.