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Published on: June 16, 2018
Mapping QTLs for popping ability in a popcorn x flint corn cross
1Vivekananda Institute of Hill Agriculture (ICAR), 263601, Almora, Uttaranchal, India. rbabu_icar@rediffmail.com
Summary
This study identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for popping expansion volume (PEV) in popcorn, breaking it down into flake volume (FV) and unpopped kernels (UPK). Marker-based selection for these popping traits in popcorn offers greater efficiency.
Area of Science:
- Plant Genetics
- Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL) Mapping
- Agronomy
Background:
- Popping expansion volume (PEV) is a key heritable trait in popcorn (Zea mays L.), crucial for quality.
- PEV is quantitatively inherited, with previous studies implicating 3-4 genes or QTLs.
- Understanding the genetic basis of PEV is essential for popcorn breeding programs.
Purpose of the Study:
- To dissect the quantitative PEV into component traits: flake volume (FV) and percent unpopped kernels (UPK).
- To map QTLs for PEV, FV, and UPK using SSR markers in an F3 popcorn family.
- To evaluate the efficiency of marker-based selection versus phenotypic selection for these traits.
Main Methods:
- Developed 194 F3 families from a popcorn x flint corn cross.
- Utilized SSR markers for QTL mapping.
- Employed composite interval mapping with QTL cartographer software.
Main Results:
- Identified four QTLs for PEV (chromosomes 1, 3, 8, 10), explaining 62% of phenotypic variance.
- Mapped four QTLs for FV (chromosomes 1, 5, 9, 10) and five QTLs for UPK (chromosomes 1, 3, 4, 5, 9).
- Marker-based selection showed higher relative efficiency (1.10-1.22) compared to phenotypic selection.
Conclusions:
- Successfully dissected PEV into FV and UPK, identifying significant QTLs for each trait.
- The QTL on chromosome 1S for PEV is particularly significant and overlaps with regions for starch concentration.
- Marker-assisted selection holds promise for improving popping traits in popcorn breeding.
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