Abstract

Ear length (EL) and ear diameter (ED) are two of the most important traits in maize (Zea mays L.), related to yield and plant morphology. In this study, an F₉recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) controlling EL and ED under two nitrogen (N) regimes. As a result, 3 QTLs were detected under N rich environment, 1 for EL on chromosome 1 and 2 for ED on chromosome 9. Under N stress environment, 4 QTLs were identified, 1 for EL on chromosome 1 and 3 for ED on chromosome 4 and 9. The phenotypic variances explained by these QTLs ranged from 5.68% to 9.86%, their additive effects were from -0.74 to 0.16. These results were beneficial for realizing the genetic basis of EL and ED and carrying out marker-assisted selection in maize.

Key words: Maize (Zea mays L.), ear length, ear diameter, quantitative trait locus, recombinant inbred line, nitrogen.