Abstract:

【Objective】 The correlation of traits of kernel structure with yield components was investigated and quantitative trait loci (QTL) for these traits were analyzed in this paper. 【Method】 Two hundred and twenty-six F2:3 lines from the cross of Qi 319×Huangzaosi in two different environments (spring-sown in Beijing and summer-sown in Henan) were used to conduct correlation analysis, principle component analysis, simulated calculation of rate of kernel production (RKP) and QTL mapping. 【Result】 Kernel yield per ear (KYE) showed significant correlation with most traits of kernel structure, especially with kernel depth (KD). Principle component analysis indicated that KD, kernel thickness (KT), ear length (EL), rate of kernel production (RKP) and KD/ear semidiameter (EsemiD) determined the performance of KYE. As the parameter reflecting the distribution of assimilation in ear, RKP was influenced by KD, KD/EsemiD, EL and Kernel Width (KW). Simulated calculation of RKP also showed that KD/EsemiD had a close relationship with RKP. A total of thirty-six QTLs for traits of kernel structure and yield components were detected. It was found that some QTLs detected in different environments were located in the same genetic regions. Several chromosomal regions with QTL cluster relevant to multiple traits were also detected. 【Conclusion】Traits of kernel structure have high correlations with yield components. The detection of genetic regions with QTL cluster might be helpful to the understanding of genetic mechanism of maize yield.

Key words: maize, kernel structure, yield, QTL