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Updated: May 27, 2026

Imaging and Analysis for Quantifying Maize (Zea mays) Abiotic Stress Phenotypes
Published on: March 28, 2025
Quantitative trait loci for biofortification traits in maize grain
Domagoj Simić1, Snezana Mladenović Drinić, Zvonimir Zdunić
1Department of Maize Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural Institute Osijek, HR-31000 Osijek, Croatia. domagoj.simic@poljinos.hr
This study identified quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for mineral concentrations in maize grain, crucial for biofortification. Key QTLs for iron, zinc, and magnesium bioavailability were found on chromosome 3, offering targets for improving crop nutrition.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Genetics
- Plant Breeding
Background:
- Global mineral malnutrition necessitates enhancing nutrient levels in staple crops.
- Maize biofortification aims to increase mineral content in grain for improved human nutrition.
- Understanding genetic control of mineral accumulation is key to developing biofortified crops.
Purpose of the Study:
- To detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for phosphorus (P), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn), and magnesium (Mg) concentrations in maize grain.
- To identify QTLs for bioavailable Fe, Zn, and Mg by considering their ratios with P.
- To provide genetic insights for enhancing mineral bioavailability in maize.
Main Methods:
- Elemental analysis of 294 F(4) maize lines using coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry.
- QTL analysis using 121 polymorphic markers in a biparental population.
- Additive-dominant model to assess genetic effects on mineral traits.
Main Results:
- Thirty-two significant QTLs were detected across seven traits, with evidence of colocalization.
- Highly significant additive effects were observed, indicating polygenic control of biofortification traits.
- Three QTLs for Fe/P, Zn/P, and Mg/P bioavailability colocalized on chromosome 3 near known phytase genes.
Conclusions:
- Maize biofortification traits are generally controlled by numerous small-effect QTLs.
- The ratios of minerals (Fe/P, Zn/P, Mg/P) represent valuable traits for biofortification research.
- Targeting QTLs on chromosome 3 could enhance mineral bioavailability in maize through marker-assisted selection.
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