Genetic Analysis of Morphological Characters of Recombinant Inbred Lines with Molecular Markers in Maize

Abstract

Ninety-four recombinant inbred lines of maize (Zea may L.) derived from Hi31 (conversion of B68 from stiff stalk synthetic) and Ki 14 (inbred from Suwan 1, Thailand) were planted in Waimanalo, HI in 1998. This study was to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for 45 targeted morphological traits by use of restriction fragment length polymorphism markers. Composite interval mapping method was used for characterization of QTLs. Husk number and pericarp thickness variations were each affected by three major QTLs. Two genomic regions were associated with tassel type, leaning stalk, central spike length and cob color. The correlation between pericarp thickness and stalk stiffness was significant. Other correlations among plant stature traits were constent with published literature. A genetic study of tassel type (erect vs. floppy) was also conducted on an F2 population derived from inbreds su2 and su9, and on their testcross progenies. The results showed that the erect character was dominant, and that two genes were involved in tassel type development.