Molecular-marker-facilitated studies of morphological traits in maize. II: Determination of QTLs for grain yield and yield components

✍ Scribed by L. R. Veldboom; M. Lee

• Publisher: Springer
• Year: 1994
• Tongue: English
• Weight: 695 KB
• Volume: 89
• Category: Article
• ISSN: 0040-5752
• DOI: 10.1007/bf00225380

✦ Synopsis

Genetic factors controlling quantitative inheritance of grain yield and its components have not previously been investigated by using replicated lines of an elite maize (Zea mays L.) population. The present study was conducted to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with grain yield and grain-yield components by using restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) markers. A population of 150 random F2∶3 lines was derived from the single cross of inbreds Mo17 and H99, which are considered to belong to the Lancaster heterotic group. Trait values were measured in a replicated trial near Ames, Iowa, in 1989. QTLs were located on a linkage map constructed with one morphological and 103 RFLP loci. QTLs were found for grain yield and all yield components. Partial dominance to overdominance was the primary mode of gene action. Only one QTL, accounting for 35% of the phenotypic variation, was identified for grain yield. Two to six QTLs were identified for the other traits. Several regions with pleiotropic or linked effects on several of the yield components were detected.