QTL analysis for eating quality-related traits in an F_(2:3) population derived from waxy corn x sweet corn cross

摘要

In order to identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) for the eating quality of waxy corn and sweet corn (Zea mays L.), QTL analysis was conducted on an F2 population derived from a cross between a waxy corn inbred line and a sweet corn inbred line. TenQTLs for pericarp thickness (PER), amylose content (AMY), dextrose content (DEX) and sucrose content (SUC) were found in the 158 F2 families. Among them, four QTLs, qAMY4 (10.43%), qAMY9 (19.33%), qDEX4 (21.31%) and qSUC4 (30.71%), may be considered as major QTLs. Three of these, qAMY4, qDEX4 and qSUC4, were found to be located within a region flanked by two adjacent SSR markers on chromosome 4 (umcl088 and bnlgl265), making this SSR marker pair a useful selection tool for screening the eating quality traits of AMY, DEX and SUC. The QTL for amylose content was found to be located between markers phi027 and umcl634, raising the possibility of its identity being the Wxl gene, which encodes a granule-bound amylose synthase. The new QTLs identified by thepresent study could serve as useful molecular markers for selecting important eating quality traits in subsequent waxy corn breeding studies.