Analysis of an intraspecific RIL population uncovers genomic segments harbouring multiple QTL for seed relevant traits in lentil (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Lens culinaris</Emphasis> L.)

Improving seed related traits remains key objective in lentil breeding. In recent years, genomic resources have shown great promise to accelerate crop improvement. However, limited genomic resources in lentil greatly restrict the use of genomics assisted breeding. The present investigation aims to build an intraspecific genetic linkage map and identify the QTL associated with important seed relevant traits using 94 recombinant inbreds (WA 8649090 × Precoz). A total of 288 polymorphic DNA markers including simple sequence repeat (SSR), inter simple sequence repeat (ISSR) and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) were assayed on mapping population. The resultant genetic linkage map comprised 220 loci spanning 604.2 cM of the lentil genome, with average inter-marker distance of 2.74 cM. QTL mapping in this RIL population uncovered a total of 18 QTL encompassing nine major and nine minor QTL. All major QTL were detected for seed related traits viz., seed diameter (SD), seed thickness (ST), seed weight (SW) and seed plumpness (SP) across two locations. A considerable proportion of the phenotypic variation (PV) was accounted to these QTL. For instance, one major QTL on LG5 controlling SW (QTL 15) explained 50% PV in one location, while the same QTL accounted for 34.18% PV in other location. Importantly, the genomic region containing multiple QTL for different seed traits was mapped to a 17-cM region on LG5. The genomic region harbouring QTL for multiple traits opens up exciting opportunities for genomics assisted improvement of lentil.     

Construction of intersubspecific molecular genetic map of lentil based on ISSR, RAPD and SSR markers

Lentil (Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris), is a self-pollinating diploid (2n?=?2x?=?14), cool-season legume crop and is consumed worldwide as a rich source of protein (~24.0%), largely in vegetarian diets. Here we report development of a genetic linkage map of Lens using 114 F₂ plants derived from the intersubspecific cross between L 830 and ILWL 77. RAPD (random amplified polymorphic DNA) primers revealed more polymorphism than ISSR (intersimple sequence repeat) and SSR (simple sequence repeat) markers. The highest proportion (30.72%) of segregation distortion was observed in RAPD markers. Of the 235 markers (34 SSR, 9 ISSR and 192 RAPD) used in the mapping study, 199 (28 SSRs, 9 ISSRs and 162 RAPDs) were mapped into 11 linkage groups (LGs), varying between 17.3 and 433.8 cM and covering 3843.4 cM, with an average marker spacing of 19.3 cM. Linkage analysis revealed nine major groups with 15 or more markers each and two small LGs with two markers each, and 36 unlinked markers. The study reported assigning of 11 new SSRs on the linkage map. Of the 66 markers with aberrant segregation, 14 were unlinked and the remaining 52 were mapped. ISSR and RAPD markers were found to be useful in map construction and saturation. The current map represents maximum coverage of lentil genome and could be used for identification of QTL regions linked to agronomic traits, and for marker-assisted selection in lentil.     

Deploying QTL-seq for rapid delineation of a potential candidate gene underlying major trait-associated QTL in chickpea

A rapid high-resolution genome-wide strategy for molecular mapping of major QTL(s)/gene(s) regulating important agronomic traits is vital for in-depth dissection of complex quantitative traits and genetic enhancement in chickpea. The present study for the first time employed a NGS-based whole-genome QTL-seq strategy to identify one major genomic region harbouring a robust 100-seed weight QTL using an intra-specific 221 chickpea mapping population (desi cv. ICC 7184 × desi cv. ICC 15061). The QTL-seq-derived major SW QTL (CaqSW1.1) was further validated by single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and simple sequence repeat (SSR) marker-based traditional QTL mapping (47.6% R² at higher LOD >19). This reflects the reliability and efficacy of QTL-seq as a strategy for rapid genome-wide scanning and fine mapping of major trait regulatory QTLs in chickpea. The use of QTL-seq and classical QTL mapping in combination narrowed down the 1.37 Mb (comprising 177 genes) major SW QTL (CaqSW1.1) region into a 35 kb genomic interval on desi chickpea chromosome 1 containing six genes. One coding SNP (G/A)-carrying constitutive photomorphogenic9 (COP9) signalosome complex subunit 8 (CSN8) gene of these exhibited seed-specific expression, including pronounced differential up-/down-regulation in low and high seed weight mapping parents and homozygous individuals during seed development. The coding SNP mined in this potential seed weight-governing candidate CSN8 gene was found to be present exclusively in all cultivated species/genotypes, but not in any wild species/genotypes of primary, secondary and tertiary gene pools. This indicates the effect of strong artificial and/or natural selection pressure on target SW locus during chickpea domestication. The proposed QTL-seq-driven integrated genome-wide strategy has potential to delineate major candidate gene(s) harbouring a robust trait regulatory QTL rapidly with optimal use of resources. This will further assist us to extrapolate the molecular mechanism underlying complex quantitative traits at a genome-wide scale leading to fast-paced marker-assisted genetic improvement in diverse crop plants, including chickpea.     

Integration of EST-SSR markers of Medicago truncatula into intraspecific linkage map of lentil and identification of QTL conferring resistance to ascochyta blight at seedling and pod stages

Microsatellite markers have been extensively utilised in the leguminosae for genome mapping and identifying major loci governing traits of interest for eventual marker-assisted selection (MAS). The lack of available lentil-specific microsatellite sequences and gene-based markers instigated the mining and transfer of expressed sequence tag simple sequence repeat (EST-SSR)/SSR sequences from the model genome Medicago truncatula, to enrich an existing intraspecific lentil genetic map. A total of 196 markers, including new 15 M. truncatula EST-SSR/SSR, were mapped using a population of 94 F₅ recombinant inbred lines produced from a cross between cv. Northfield (ILL5588)?×?cv. Digger (ILL5722) and clustered into 11 linkage groups (LG) covering 1156.4?cM. Subsequently, the size and effects of quantitative trait loci (QTL) conditioning Ascochyta lentis resistance at seedling and pod/maturity stages were characterised and compared. Three QTL were detected for seedling resistance on LG1 and LG9 and a further three were detected for pod/maturity resistance on LG1, LG4 and LG5. Together, these accounted for 34 and 61% of the total estimated phenotypic variation, respectively, and demonstrated that resistance at the different growth stages is potentially conditioned by different genomic regions. The flanking markers identified may be useful for MAS and for the future pyramiding of potentially different resistance genes into elite backgrounds that are resistant throughout the cropping season.     

Genetic diversity and association mapping of seed vigor in rice (Oryza sativa L.)

Key message

Twenty-seven QTLs were identified for rice seed vigor, in which 16 were novel QTLs. Fifteen elite parental combinations were designed for improving seed vigor in rice.

Abstract

Seed vigor is closely related to direct seeding in rice (Oryza sativa L.). Previous quantitative trait locus (QTL) studies for seed vigor were mainly derived from bi-parental segregating populations and no report from natural populations. In this study, association mapping for seed vigor was performed on a selected sample of 540 rice cultivars (419 from China and 121 from Vietnam). Population structure was estimated on the basis of 262 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Seed vigor was evaluated by root length (RL), shoot length (SL) and shoot dry weight in 2011 and 2012. Abundant phenotypic and genetic diversities were found in the studied population. The population was divided into seven subpopulations, and the levels of linkage disequilibrium (LD) ranged from 10 to 80 cM. We identified 27 marker–trait associations involving 18 SSR markers for three traits. According to phenotypic effects for alleles of the detected QTLs, elite alleles were mined. These elite alleles could be used to design parental combinations and the expected results would be obtained by pyramiding or substituting the elite alleles per QTL (apart from possible epistatic effects). Our results demonstrate that association mapping can complement and enhance previous QTL information for marker-assisted selection and breeding by design.     

Extensive macrosynteny between Medicago truncatula and Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris

The first predominantly gene-based genetic linkage map of lentil (Lens culinaris ssp. culinaris) was constructed using an F₅ population developed from a cross between the cultivars Digger (ILL5722) and Northfield (ILL5588) using 79 intron-targeted amplified polymorphic (ITAP) and 18 genomic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers. Linkage analysis revealed seven linkage groups (LGs) comprised of 5–25 markers that varied in length from 80.2 to 274.6 cM. The genome map spanned a total length of 928.4 cM. Clear evidence of a simple and direct macrosyntenic relationship between lentil and Medicago truncatula was observed. Sixty-six out of the 71 gene-based markers, which were previously assigned to M. truncatula genetic and physical maps, were found in regions syntenic between the Lens c. ssp. culinaris and M. truncatula genomes. However, there was evidence of moderate chromosomal rearrangements which may account for the difference in chromosome numbers between these two legume species. Eighteen common SSR markers were used to connect the current map with the most comprehensive and recent map that exists for lentil, providing the syntenic context of four important domestication traits. The composite map presented, anchored with orthologous markers mapped in M. truncatula, provides a strong foundation for the future use of genomic and genetic information in lentil genetic analysis and breeding. Electronic supplementary material Supplementary material is available in the online version of this article at and is accessible for authorized users.     

A Genome Scan for Quantitative Trait Loci Associated with Vibrio anguillarum Infection Resistance in Japanese Flounder (Paralichthys olivaceus) by Bulked Segregant Analysis

A recent genetic linkage map was employed to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with Vibrio anguillarum resistance in Japanese flounder. An F1 family established and challenged with V. anguillarum in 2009 was used for QTL mapping. Of the 221 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers used to detect polymorphisms in the parents of F1, 170 were confirmed to be polymorphic. The average distance between the markers was 10.6 cM. Equal amounts of genomic DNA from 15 fry that died early and from 15 survivors were pooled separately to constitute susceptible bulk and resistance bulk DNA. Bulked segregant analysis and QTL mapping were combined to detect candidate SSR markers and regions associated with the disease. A genome scan identified four polymorphic SSR markers, two of which were significantly different between susceptible and resistance bulk (P?=?0.008). These two markers were located in linkage group (LG) 7; therefore, all the SSR markers in LG7 were genotyped in all the challenged fry by single marker analysis. Using two different models, 11–17 SSR markers were detected with different levels of significance. To confirm the associations of these markers with the disease, composite interval mapping was employed to genotype all the challenged individuals. One and three QTLs, which explained more than 60 % of the phenotypic variance, were detected by the two models. Two of the QTLs were located at 48.6 cM. The common QTL may therefore be a major candidate region for disease resistance against V. anguillarum infection.     

Exploring the Genetic Characteristics of Two Recombinant Inbred Line Populations via High-Density SNP Markers in Maize

Understanding genetic characteristics can reveal the genetic diversity in maize and be used to explore evolutionary mechanisms and gene cloning. A high-density linkage map was constructed to determine recombination rates (RRs), segregation distortion regions (SDRs), and recombinant blocks (RBs) in two recombinant inbred line populations (RILs) (B73/By804 and Zong3/87-1) generated by the single seed descent method. Population B73/By804 containing 174 lines were genotyped with 198 simple sequence repeats (SSRs) markers while population Zong3/87-1 comprised of 175 lines, were genotyped with 210 SSR markers along with 1536 single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers for each population, spanning 1526.7 cM and 1996.2 cM in the B73/By804 and Zong3/87-1 populations, respectively. The total variance of the RR in the whole genome was nearly 100 fold, and the maximum average was 10.43–11.50 cM/Mb while the minimum was 0.08–0.10 cM/Mb in the two populations. The average number of RB was 44 and 37 in the Zong3/87-1 and B73/By804 populations, respectively, whereas 28 SDRs were observed in both populations. We investigated 11 traits in Zong3/87-1 and 10 traits in B73/By804. Quantitative trait locus (QTLs) mapping of SNP+SSR with SNP and SSR marker sets were compared to showed the impact of different density markers on QTL mapping and resolution. The confidence interval of QTL Pa19 (FatB gene controlling palmitic acid content) was reduced from 3.5 Mb to 1.72 Mb, and the QTL Oil6 (DGAT1-2 gene controlling oil concentration) was significantly reduced from 10.8 Mb to 1.62 Mb. Thus, the use of high-density markers considerably improved QTL mapping resolution. The genetic information resulting from this study will support forthcoming efforts to understand recombination events, SDRs, and variations among different germplasm. Furthermore, this study will facilitate gene cloning and understanding of the fundamental sources of total variation and RR in maize, which is the most widely cultivated cereal crop.     

Exploring genetic variability within lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) and across related legumes using a newly developed set of microsatellite markers

Lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.) is an economically important grain legume, yet the genetic and genomic resources remain largely uncharacterized and unexploited in this crop. Microsatellites have become markers of choice for crop improvement applications. Hence, simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers were developed for lentil through the construction of genomic library enriched for GA/CT motifs. As a result 122 functional SSR primer pairs were developed from 151 microsatellite loci and validated in L. culinaris cv. Precoz. Thirty three SSR markers were utilized for the analysis of genetic relationships between cultivated and wild species of Lens and related legumes. A total of 123 alleles were amplified at 33 loci ranging from 2–5 alleles with an average of 3.73 alleles per locus. Polymorphic information content (PIC) for all the loci ranged from 0.13 to 0.99 with an average of 0.66 per locus. Varied levels of cross genera transferability were obtained ranging from 69.70 % across Pisum sativum to 12.12 % across Vigna radiata. The UPGMA based dendrogram was able to establish the uniqueness of each genotype and grouped them into two major clusters clearly resolving the genetic relationships within lentil and related species. The new set of SSR markers reported here were efficient and highly polymorphic and would add to the existing repertoire of lentil SSR markers to be utilized in molecular breeding. Moreover, the improved knowledge about intra- and inter-specific genetic relationships would facilitate germplasm utilization for lentil improvement.     

Meta-analysis of quantitative trait loci for grain yield and component traits under reproductive-stage drought stress in an upland rice population

A recombinant inbred population developed from a cross between high-yielding lowland rice (Oryza sativa L.) subspecies indica cv. IR64 and upland tropical rice subspecies japonica cv. Cabacu was used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for grain yield (GY) and component traits under reproductive-stage drought stress. One hundred fifty-four lines were grown in field trials in Indonesia under aerobic conditions by giving surface irrigation to field capacity every 4 days. Water stress was imposed for a period of 15 days during pre-flowering by withholding irrigation at 65 days after seeding. Leaf rolling was scored at the end of the stress period and eight agronomic traits were evaluated after recovery. The population was also evaluated for root pulling force, and a total of 201 single nucleotide polymorphism markers were used to construct the molecular genetic linkage map and QTL mapping. A QTL for GY under drought stress was identified in a region close to the sd1 locus on chromosome 1. QTL meta-analysis across diverse populations showed that this QTL was conserved across genetic backgrounds and co-localized with QTLs for leaf rolling and osmotic adjustment (OA). A QTL for percent seed set and grains per panicle under drought stress was identified on chromosome 8 in the same region as a QTL for OA previously identified in three different populations.     

A genetic linkage map of Lens sp. based on microsatellite and AFLP markers and the localization of fusarium vascular wilt resistance

Microsatellites have currently become the markers of choice for molecular mapping and marker-assisted selection for key traits such as disease resistance in many crop species. We report here on the mapping of microsatellites which had been identified from a genomic library of lentil (Lens culinaris Medik.). The majority of microsatellite-bearing clones contained imperfect di-nucleotide repeats. A total of 41 microsatellite and 45 amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers were mapped on 86 recombinant inbred lines derived from the cross ILL 5588 × L 692-16-1(s), which had been previously used for the construction of a random amplified polymorphic DNA and AFLP linkage map. Since ILL 5588 was resistant to fusarium vascular wilt caused by the fungus Fusarium oxysporum Shlecht. Emend. Snyder & Hansen f.sp. lentis Vasud. & Srini., the recombinant inbreds were segregating for this character. The resulting map contained 283 markers covering about 751 cM, with an average marker distance of 2.6 cM. The fusarium vascular wilt resistance was localized on linkage group 6, and this resistance gene was flanked by microsatellite marker SSR59-2B and AFLP marker p17m30710 at distances of 8.0 cM and 3.5 cM, respectively. These markers are the most closely linked ones known to date for this agronomically important Fw gene. Using the information obtained in this investigation, the development and mapping of microsatellite markers in the existing map of lentil could be substantially increased, thereby providing the possibility for the future localization of various loci of agronomic interest.     

QTL analysis for grain quality traits in 2 BC2F2 populations derived from crosses between Oryza sativa cv Swarna and 2 accessions of O. nivara

The appearance and cooking quality of rice determine its acceptability and price to a large extent. Quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for 12 grain quality traits were mapped in 2 mapping populations derived from Oryza sativa cv Swarna × O. nivara. The BC(2)F(2) population of the cross Swarna × O. nivara IRGC81848 (population 1) was evaluated during 2005 and that from Swarna × O. nivara IRGC81832 (population 2) was evaluated during 2006. Linkage maps were constructed using 100 simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers in population 1 and 75 SSR markers in population 2. In all, 21 QTLs were identified in population 1 (43% from O. nivara) and 37 in population 2 (38% QTLs from O. nivara). The location of O. nivara-derived QTLs mp1.2 for milling percent, kw6.1 for kernel width, and klac12.1 for kernel length after cooking coincided in the 2 populations and appear to be useful for Marker Assisted Selection (MAS). Four QTLs for milling percent, 1 QTL each for amylose content, water uptake, elongation ratio, 2 QTLs for kernel width, and 3 QTLs for gel consistency, each explained more than 20% phenotypic variance. Three QTL clusters for grain quality traits were close to the genes/QTLs for shattering and seed dormancy. QTLs for 4 quality traits were associated with 5 of the 7 major yield QTLs reported in the same 2 mapping populations. Useful introgression lines have been developed for several agronomic traits. It emerges that 40% O. nivara alleles were trait enhancing in both populations, and QTLs for grain quality overlapped with yield meta-QTLs and QTLs for dormancy and seed shattering.     

Integration genetic linkage map construction and several potential QTLs mapping of Chinese shrimp (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Fenneropenaeus chinensis</Emphasis>) based on three types of molecular markers

In this study, totally 54 selected polymorphic SSR loci of Chinese shrimp (Fenneropenaeus chinensis), in addition with the previous linkage map of AFLP and RAPD markers, were used in consolidated linkage maps that composed of SSR, AFLP and RAPD markers of female and male construction, respectively. The female linkage map contained 236 segregating markers, which were linked in 44 linkage groups, and the genome coverage was 63.98%. The male linkage map contained 255 segregating markers, which were linked in 50 linkage groups, covering 63.40% of F. chinensis genome. There were nine economically important traits and phenotype characters of F. chinensis were involved in QTL mapping using multiple-QTL mapping strategy. Five potential QTLs associated with standard length (q-standardl-01), with cephalothorax length (q-cephal-01), with cephaloghorax width (q-cephaw-01), with the first segment length (q-firsel-01) and with anti-WSSV (q-antiWSSV-01) were detected on female LG1 and male LG44 respectively with LOD > 2.5. The QTL q-firsel-01 was at 73.603 cM of female LG1. Q-antiWSSV-01 was at 0 cM of male LG44. The variance explained of these five QTLs was from 19.7–33.5% and additive value was from −15.9175 to 7.3675. The closest markers to these QTL were all SSR, which suggested SSR marker was superior to AFLP and RAPD in the QTL mapping.     

Genetic analysis of Verticillium wilt resistance in a backcross inbred line population and a meta-analysis of quantitative trait loci for disease resistance in cotton

Background

Verticillium wilt (VW) and Fusarium wilt (FW), caused by the soil-borne fungi Verticillium dahliae and Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. vasinfectum, respectively, are two most destructive diseases in cotton production worldwide. Root-knot nematodes (Meloidogyne incognita, RKN) and reniform nematodes (Rotylenchulus reniformis, RN) cause the highest yield loss in the U.S. Planting disease resistant cultivars is the most cost effective control method. Numerous studies have reported mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for disease resistance in cotton; however, very few reliable QTLs were identified for use in genomic research and breeding.

Results

This study first performed a 4-year replicated test of a backcross inbred line (BIL) population for VW resistance, and 10 resistance QTLs were mapped based on a 2895 cM linkage map with 392 SSR markers. The 10 VW QTLs were then placed to a consensus linkage map with other 182 VW QTLs, 75 RKN QTLs, 27 FW QTLs, and 7 RN QTLs reported from 32 publications. A meta-analysis of QTLs identified 28 QTL clusters including 13, 8 and 3 QTL hotspots for resistance to VW, RKN and FW, respectively. The number of QTLs and QTL clusters on chromosomes especially in the A-subgenome was significantly correlated with the number of nucleotide-binding site (NBS) genes, and the distribution of QTLs between homeologous A- and D- subgenome chromosomes was also significantly correlated.

Conclusions

Ten VW resistance QTL identified in a 4-year replicated study have added useful information to the understanding of the genetic basis of VW resistance in cotton. Twenty-eight disease resistance QTL clusters and 24 hotspots identified from a total of 306 QTLs and linked SSR markers provide important information for marker-assisted selection and high resolution mapping of resistance QTLs and genes. The non-overlapping of most resistance QTL hotspots for different diseases indicates that their resistances are controlled by different genes.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12864-015-1682-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

QTL mapping in A-genome diploid Asiatic cotton and their congruence analysis with AD-genome tetraploid cotton in genus Gossypium

Asiatic cotton(Gossypium arboreum L.) is an Old World cultivated cotton species.The sinense race was planted extensively in China.Due to the advances in spinning technology during the last century,the species was replaced by the New World allotetraploid cotton G.hirsutum L.Gossypium arboreum is still grown in India and Pakistan and also used as an elite in current cotton breeding programs.In addition,G.arboreum serves as a model for genomic research in Gossypium.In the present study,we generated an A-genome diploid cotton intraspecific genetic map including 264 SSR loci with three morphological markers mapped to 1 3 linkage groups.The map spans 2,508.71 cM with an average distance of 9.4 cM between adjacent loci.A population containing 1 76 F2:3 families was used to perform quantitative trait loci(QTL)mapping for 17 phenotypes using Multiple QTL Model(MQM)of MapQTL ver 5.0.Overall,108 QTLs were detected on 13 chromosomes.Thirty-one QTLs for yield and its components were detected in the F2 population.Forty-one QTLs for yield and its components were detected in the F2:3 families with a total of 43 QTLs for fiber qualities.Two QTLs for seed cotton weight/plant and lint index and three QTLs for seed index were consistently detected both in F2 and F2:3.Most QTLs for fiber qualities and yields were located at the same interval or neighboring intervals.These results indicated that the negative correlation between fiber qualities and yield traits may result from either pleiotropic effect of one gene or linkage effects of multiple closely linked genes.     

测序水稻品种SSR遗传连锁图谱的构建及其农艺性状基因座分析

利用测序水稻品种"Nipponbare（粳）/广陆矮4号（籼）"杂交F2群体90个单株为作图群体,构建含148个SSR标记的水稻遗传连锁图谱,覆盖基因组全长1737.81cM,标记间平均距11.90cM。利用该图谱及Excel2000和Mapmaker/QTL1.1b软件对分蘖数、穗数、穗长、主穗长、株高、剑叶长等六个农艺性状间的相互关系和基因位点进行分析,结果在LOD>2.2和P<0.005的条件下共检测到28个QTLs,它们分布在水稻所有染色体上,单个QTL对性状的分子贡献率11.1%-42.9%,其中大于20%有10个,并对选用已测序材料为亲本构建图谱来探讨水稻农艺性状的分子基础及其育种意义进行了讨论。     

Genetic mapping and QTL analysis for yield and agronomic traits with an F2:3 population derived from a waxy corn × sweet corn cross

We constructed a framework map using SSR markers in the F₂ population derived from a cross between a waxy corn inbred line and a sweet corn inbred line. We constructed a genetic linkage map of the F_2:3 population employing 295 SSR markers on 158 F₂ individuals produced from the cross. The map comprised a total genomic length of 2,626.5 cM in 10 linkage groups and an average distance between markers of 8.9 cM. The number of loci per linkage group ranged from 27 (chr. 5) to 34 (chr. 7). The genetic distance per linkage group ranged from 213.6 cM (chr. 10) to 360.6 cM (chr. 2). Χ ² tests revealed that 254 markers (86.1 %) distributed over all 10 chromosomes exhibited a Mendelian segregation ratio of 1:2:1. A total of 14 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for days to silking (DTS), plant height (PH), ear height (EH), ear height ratio (ER), ear length (L-ear), and setted ear length (L-sear) were found in the 158 F₂ progeny. They were mapped to chromosomes 1, 2, 3, 7, 8, and 10. Among them, one QTL was associated with DTS, three with PH, six with EH, one with ER, two with L-ear, and one QTL was related to L-sear. In our study, we found that four QTLs: qDTS1, qEH1a, qEH1b, and qPH1, were clustered between umc2390 and umc1603 on chromosome 1. These new QTLs identified by the present study could serve as useful molecular markers in selecting for yield and agronomic traits in maize. The results of this study may improve the identification and characterization of genes responsible for yield and agronomic traits in waxy corn and sweet corn.