Quantitative trait loci analysis of phenotypic traits and principal components of maize tassel inflorescence architecture

Maize tassel inflorescence architecture is relevant to efficient production of F₁ seed and yield performance of F₁ hybrids. The objectives of this study were to identify genetic relationships among seven measured tassel inflorescence architecture traits and six calculated traits in a maize backcross population derived from two lines with differing tassel architectures, and identify Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) involved in the inheritance of those tassel inflorescence architecture traits. A Principal Component (PC) analysis was performed to examine relationships among correlated traits. Traits with high loadings for PC1 were branch number and branch number density, for PC2 were spikelet density on central spike and primary branch, and for PC3 were lengths of tassel and central spike. We detected 45 QTL for individual architecture traits and eight QTL for the three PCs. For control of inflorescence architecture, important QTL were found in bins 7.02 and 9.02. The interval phi034—ramosa1 (ral) in bin 7.02 was associated with six individual architecture trait QTL and explained the largest amount of phenotypic variation (17.3%) for PC1. Interval bnlg344–phi027 in bin 9.02 explained the largest amount of phenotypic variation (14.6%) for PC2. Inflorescence architecture QTL were detected in regions with candidate genes fasciated ear2, thick tassel dwarf1, and ral. However, the vast majority of QTL mapped to regions without known candidate genes, indicating positional cloning efforts will be necessary to identify these genes.     

An ultra-high density bin-map for rapid QTL mapping for tassel and ear architecture in a large F2 maize population

Background

Understanding genetic control of tassel and ear architecture in maize (Zea mays L. ssp. mays) is important due to their relationship with grain yield. High resolution QTL mapping is critical for understanding the underlying molecular basis of phenotypic variation. Advanced populations, such as recombinant inbred lines, have been broadly adopted for QTL mapping; however, construction of large advanced generation crop populations is time-consuming and costly. The rapidly declining cost of genotyping due to recent advances in next-generation sequencing technologies has generated new possibilities for QTL mapping using large early generation populations.

Results

A set of 708 F₂ progeny derived from inbreds Chang7-2 and 787 were generated and genotyped by whole genome low-coverage genotyping-by-sequencing method (average 0.04×). A genetic map containing 6,533 bin-markers was constructed based on the parental SNPs and a sliding-window method, spanning a total genetic distance of 1,396 cM. The high quality and accuracy of this map was validated by the identification of two well-studied genes, r1, a qualitative trait locus for color of silk (chromosome 10) and ba1 for tassel branch number (chromosome 3). Three traits of tassel and ear architecture were evaluated in this population, a total of 10 QTL were detected using a permutation-based-significance threshold, seven of which overlapped with reported QTL. Three genes (GRMZM2G316366, GRMZM2G492156 and GRMZM5G805008) encoding MADS-box domain proteins and a BTB/POZ domain protein were located in the small intervals of qTBN5 and qTBN7 (~800 Kb and 1.6 Mb in length, respectively) and may be involved in patterning of tassel architecture. The small physical intervals of most QTL indicate high-resolution mapping is obtainable with this method.

Conclusions

We constructed an ultra-high-dentisy linkage map for the large early generation population in maize. Our study provides an efficient approach for fast detection of quantitative loci responsible for complex trait variation with high accuracy, thus helping to dissect the underlying molecular basis of phenotypic variation and accelerate improvement of crop breeding in a cost-effective fashion.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (doi:10.1186/1471-2164-15-433) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.     

玉米雄穗分枝数与主轴长的QTL鉴定

在包含103个SSR标记的连锁图谱基础上, 运用复合区间作图法检测玉米组合(N87-1×9526 )F3家系在正常与干旱胁迫环境下的雄穗分枝数与主轴长性状QTL。雄穗分枝数在正常环境下被检测到2个QTL座位, 分别位于第5和7连锁群上; 在胁迫环境下被检测到4个QTL座位分别位于 2、5、7和10连锁群上, 其中位于第5和7连锁群上的QTL不仅具有一致性而且与本作图群体中曾检测到的耐旱相关性状QTL存在连锁。雄穗主轴长在正常环境下被检测到2个QTL位于第2和第6连锁群上, 在干旱胁迫环境下被检测到了3个QTL分别于第2、4和10连锁群上, 其中位于第2染色体上的QTL是两种环境下所共同检测到的QTL。分析QTL的遗传作用方式表明, 雄穗分枝数以部分加性效应为主, 而雄主轴长全部表现为显性和超显性。     

Genetic architecture of adiposity and organ weight using combined generation QTL analysis

We present here a detailed study of the genetic contributions to adult body size and adiposity in the LG,SM advanced intercross line (AIL), an obesity model. This study represents a first step in fine-mapping obesity quantitative trait loci (QTLs) in an AIL. QTLs for adiposity in this model were previously isolated to chromosomes 1, 6, 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, and 18. This study focuses on heritable contributions and the genetic architecture of fatpad and organ weights. We analyzed both the F(2) and F(3) generations of the LG,SM AIL population single-nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyped with a marker density of approximately 4 cM. We replicate 88% of the previously identified obesity QTLs and identify 13 new obesity QTLs. Nearly half of the single-trait QTLs were sex-specific. Several broad QTL regions were resolved into multiple, narrower peaks. The 113 single-trait QTLs for organs and body weight clustered into 27 pleiotropic loci. A large number of epistatic interactions are described which begin to elucidate potential interacting molecular networks. We present a relatively rapid means to obtain fine-mapping details from AILs using dense marker maps and consecutive generations. Analysis of the complex genetic architecture underlying fatpad and organ weights in this model may eventually help to elucidate not only heritable contributions to obesity but also common gene sets for obesity and its comorbidities.     

Class II tassel seed mutations provide evidence for multiple types of inflorescence meristems in maize (Poaceae)

The tassel seed mutations ts4 and Ts6 of maize cause irregular branching in its inflorescences, tassels, and ears, in addition to feminization of the tassel due to the failure to abort pistils. A comparison of the development of mutant and wild-type tassels and ears using scanning electron microscopy reveals that at least four reproductive meristem types can be identified in maize: the inflorescence meristem, the spikelet pair meristem, the spikelet meristem, and the floret meristem. ts4 and Ts6 mutations affect the fate of specific reproductive meristems in both tassels and ears. ts4 mutants fail to form spikelet meristems from spikelet pair meristems. Ts6 mutants are delayed in the conversion of certain spikelet meristems into floret meristems. Once floret meristems are established in both of these mutants, they form florets that appear normal but fail to undergo pistil abortion in the tassel. The abnormal branching associated with each mutant is suppressed at the base of ears, permitting the formation of normal, fertile spikelets. The classification of the different types of reproductive meristems will be useful in interpretation of gene expression patterns in maize. It also provides a framework for understanding meristem functions that can be varied to diversify inflorescence architectures in the Gramineae.     

QTL mapping analysis of plant height and ear height of maize (Zea mays L.)

Genetic map containing 103 microsatellite loci obtained on 200 F2 plants derived from the cross R15 x 478 was used for quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping in maize. QTL were characterized in a population of 200 F2:4 lines, derived from selfing the F2 plants, and were evaluated with two replications in two environments. QTL determinations were made from the mean of these two environments. Plant height (PH) and ear height (EH) were measured. Using composite interval mapping (CIM) method, a total of 14 distinct QTLs were identified: nine for PH and five for EH. Additive, partial dominance, dominance, and overdominance actions existed among all detected QTL affecting plant height and ear height. The QTL explained 78.27% of the phenotypic variance of PH and 41.50% of EH. The 14 QTLs displayed mostly dominance or partial dominance gene action and mapped to chromosomes 2, 3, 4, 8 and 9.     

Genetic analysis and major QTL detection for maize kernel size and weight in multi-environments

Key Message

Twelve major QTL in five optimal clusters and several epistatic QTL are identified for maize kernel size and weight, some with pleiotropic will be promising for fine-mapping and yield improvement.

Abstract

Kernel size and weight are important target traits in maize (Zea mays L.) breeding programs. Here, we report a set of quantitative trait loci (QTL) scattered through the genome and significantly controlled the performance of four kernel traits including length, width, thickness and weight. From the cross V671 (large kernel) × Mc (small kernel), 270 derived F_2:3 families were used to identify QTL of maize kernel-size traits and kernel weight in five environments, using composite interval mapping (CIM) for single-environment analysis along with mixed linear model-based CIM for joint analysis. These two mapping strategies identified 55 and 28 QTL, respectively. Among them, 6 of 23 coincident were detected as interacting with environment. Single-environment analysis showed that 8 genetic regions on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 5 and 9 clustered more than 60 % of the identified QTL. Twelve stable major QTLs accounting for over 10 % of phenotypic variation were included in five optimal clusters on the genetic region of bins 1.02–1.03, 1.04–1.06, 2.05–2.07, 4.07–4.08 and 9.03–9.04; the addition and partial dominance effects of significant QTL play an important role in controlling the development of maize kernel. These putative QTL may have great promising for further fine-mapping with more markers, and genetic improvement of maize kernel size and weight through marker-assisted breeding.     

A new QTL for resistance to Fusarium ear rot in maize

Understanding the inheritance of resistance to Fusarium ear rot is a basic prerequisite for an efficient resistance breeding in maize. In this study, 250 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) along with their resistant (BT-1) and susceptible (N6) parents were planted in Zhengzhou with three replications in 2007 and 2008. Each line was artificially inoculated using the nail-punch method. Significant genotypic variation in response to Fusarium ear rot was detected in both years. Based on a genetic map containing 207 polymorphic simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers with average genetic distances of 8.83?cM, the ear rot resistance quantitative trait loci (QTL) were analyzed by composite interval mapping with a mixed model (MCIM) across the environments. In total, four QTL were detected on chromosomes 3, 4, 5, and 6. The resistance allele at each of these four QTL was contributed by resistant parent BT-1, and accounted for 2.5-10.2% of the phenotypic variation. However, no significant epistasis interaction effect was detected after a two-dimensional genome scan. Among the four QTL, one QTL with the largest effect on chromosome 4 (bin 4.06) can be suggested to be a new locus for resistance to Fusarium ear rot, which broadens the genetic base for resistance to the disease and can be used for further genetic improvement in maize-breeding programs.     

Inheritance of inflorescence architecture in sorghum

The grass inflorescence is the primary food source for humanity, and has been repeatedly shaped by human selection during the domestication of different cereal crops. Of all major cultivated cereals, sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench] shows the most striking variation in inflorescence architecture traits such as branch number and branch length, but the genetic basis of this variation is little understood. To study the inheritance of inflorescence architecture in sorghum, 119 recombinant inbred lines from an elite by exotic cross were grown in three environments and measured for 15 traits, including primary, secondary, and tertiary inflorescence branching. Eight characterized genes that are known to control inflorescence architecture in maize (Zea mays L.) and other grasses were mapped in sorghum. Two of these candidate genes, Dw3 and the sorghum ortholog of ramosa2, co-localized precisely with QTL of large effect for relevant traits. These results demonstrate the feasibility of using genomic and mutant resources from maize and rice (Oryza sativa L.) to investigate the inheritance of complex traits in related cereals.Electronic Supplementary Material Supplementary material is available to authorised users in the online version of this article at .     

玉米株高和穗位高的QTL定位

摘要: 用玉米自交系掖478和丹340构建了397个F_2:3家系群体, 利用双亲间多态的150个共显性SSR标记绘制分子连锁图谱, 图谱总长度1 478.7 cM, 标记间平均距离10.0 cM。在5种环境下对株高和穗位高性状进行鉴定, 复合区间作图法检测到21个株高QTL和25个穗位高QTL。于第1和5染色体的umc2025－umc1035及umc1822－bnlg1118区域检测到平均贡献率分别为12.2%和14.9%的株高QTL。于第3和5染色体的phi029－umc1102及phi109188－bnlg1118区域检测到平均贡献率达到10.2%和22.8%的穗位高QTL。第5染色体的Bin5.05－5.07区域可能存在控制株高和穗位高的主效QTL。株高和穗位高的基因作用方式主要是加性和部分显性效应。文章还分析了群体大小及试验环境对株高和穗位高QTL定位结果的影响     

QTL mapping of resistance to Fusarium ear rot using a RIL population in maize

Fusarium ear rot is a prevalent disease in maize, reducing grain yields and quality. Resistance breeding is an efficient way to minimize losses caused by the disease. In this study, 187 lines from a RIL population along with the resistant (87-1) and susceptible (Zong 3) parents were planted in Zhengzhou and Beijing with three replications in years 2004 and 2006. Each line was artificially inoculated using the nail-punch method. Significant genotypic variation in response to Fusarium ear rot was detected in both years. Based on a genetic map containing 246 polymorphic SSR markers with average genetic distances of 9.1 cM, the ear-rot resistance QTL were firstly analyzed by composite interval mapping (CIM). Three QTL were detected in both Zhengzhou and Beijing in 2004; and three and four QTL, respectively, were identified in 2006. The resistant parent contributed all resistance QTL. By using composite interval mapping and a mixed model (MCIM), significant epistatic effects on Fusarium ear rot as well as interactions between mapped loci and environments were observed across environments. Two QTL on chromosome 3 (3.04 bin) were consistently identified across all environments by the two methods. The major resistant QTL with the largest effect was flanked by markers umc1025 and umc1742 on chromosome 3 (3.04 bin), explaining 13–22% of the phenotypic variation. The SSR markers closely flanking the major resistance QTL will facilitate marker-assisted selection (MAS) of resistance to Fusarium ear rot in maize breeding programs.     

Genetics of tassel branch number in maize and its implications for a selection program for small tassel size

Summary Tassel branch numbers of six crosses of maize (Zea mays L.) were analyzed to determine inheritance of this trait. Generation mean analyses were used to estimate genetic effects, and additive and nonadditive components of variance were calculated and evaluated for bias due to linkage. Both narrow-sense and broad-sense heritabilities were estimated. Additive genetic variance estimates were significant in five of the six crosses, whereas estimates of variance due to nonadditive components were significant in only three crosses. Additionally, estimates of additive variance components usually were larger than corresponding nonadditive components. There was no evidence for linkage bias in these estimates. Estimates of additive genetic effects were significant in four of six crosses, but significant dominance, additive × additive and additive × dominance effects also were detected. Additive, dominance, and epistatic gene action, therefore, all influenced the inheritance of tassel branch number, but additive gene action was most important. Both narrow-sense and broadsense heritability estimates were larger than those reported for other physiological traits of maize and corroborated conclusions concerning the importance of additive gene action inferred from analyses of genetic effects and variances. We concluded that selection for smalltasseled inbreds could be accomplished most easily through a mass-selection and/or pedigree-selection system. Production of a small-tasseled hybrid would require crossing of two small-tasseled inbreds. We proposed two genetic models to explain unexpected results obtained for two crosses. One model involved five interacting loci and the other employed two loci displaying only additive and additive × additive gene action.Journal Paper No. J-9231 of the Iowa Agriculture and Home Economics Experiment Station, Ames, Iowa 50011. Project No. 2152