Genetic Architecture of Kernel Compositional Variation in a Maize Diversity Panel

• DOI: 10.1101/2021.03.29.436703
• Publication Date: 2021-03-30T23:55:13Z
• Authors: Jonathan S. Renk; Amanda M. Gilbert; Travis J. Hattery; Christine H. O’Co...; Patrick J. Monnahan; Nickolas Anderson; Amanda J. Waters; David P. Eickholt; Sherry A. Flint-G...; Marna D. Yandeau-...; Candice N. Hirsch
• Keywords: Genetic architecture; Grain Quality; Genome-wide Association Study; Phenotypic trait

ABSTRACT Maize ( Zea mays L.) is a multi-purpose row crop grown worldwide, which overtime has often been bred for increased yield at the detriment of lower composition grain quality. Some knowledge genetic factors that affect quality traits discovered through study classical maize mutants. However, much underlying architecture controlling these and interaction between remains unknown. To better understand variation exists compositional in maize, we evaluated 501 diverse temperate inbred lines five unique environments predicted 16 (e.g. carbohydrates, protein, starch) based on output near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy. Phenotypic analysis found substantial majority was explained by environmental factors. Correlations trade-offs among different types dent, sweetcorn, popcorn) were explored significant differences correlations detected. In total, 22.9-71.1% phenotypic across could be using 2,386,666 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers generated from whole genome resequencing data. A genome-wide association (GWAS) conducted same 70 statistically loci 12 traits. This provides valuable insights can used breeding programs improving Core Ideas Understanding kernel important food grade corn improvement. Genetic account most broad range trait heritabilities observed Compositional will to consider when conducting multitrait breeding. are mostly controlled large number small effect loci.