Open AccessGenetic dissection of maize plant architecture using a novel nested association mapping population
Author(s) -
Zhao Sheng,
Li Xueying,
Song Junfeng,
Li Huimin,
Zhao Xiaodi,
Zhang Peng,
Li Zhimin,
Tian Zhiqiang,
Lv Meng,
Deng Ce,
Ai Tangshun,
Chen Gengshen,
Zhang Hui,
Hu Jianlin,
Xu Zhijun,
Chen Jiafa,
Ding Junqiang,
Song Weibin,
Chang Yuxiao
Publication year - 2022
Publication title -
the plant genome
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 1.403
H-Index - 41
ISSN - 1940-3372
DOI - 10.1002/tpg2.20179
Subject(s) - biology , quantitative trait locus , genetic architecture , association mapping , population , backcrossing , gene mapping , genetic linkage , candidate gene , genetics , genome wide association study , inclusive composite interval mapping , plant breeding , agronomy , gene , genotype , single nucleotide polymorphism , chromosome , demography , sociology
The leaf angle (LA), plant height (PH), and ear height (EH) are key plant architectural traits influencing maize ( Zea mays L.) yield. However, their genetic determinants have not yet been well‐characterized. Here, we developed a maize advanced backcross‐nested association mapping population in Henan Agricultural University (HNAU‐NAM1) comprised of 1,625 BC 1 F 4 /BC 2 F 4 lines. These were obtained by crossing a diverse set of 12 representative inbred lines with the common GEMS41 line, which were then genotyped using the MaizeSNP9.4K array. Genetic diversity and phenotypic distribution analyses showed considerable levels of genetic variation. We obtained 18–88 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with LA, PH, and EH by using three complementary mapping methods, named as separate linkage mapping, joint linkage mapping, and genome‐wide association studies. Our analyses enabled the identification of ten QTL hot‐spot regions associated with the three traits, which were distributed on nine different chromosomes. We further selected 13 major QTLs that were simultaneously detected by three methods and deduced the candidate genes, of which eight were not reported before. The newly constructed HNAU‐NAM1 population in this study will further broaden our insights into understanding of genetic regulation of plant architecture, thus will help to improve maize yield and provide an invaluable resource for maize functional genomics and breeding research.