Genetic mapping of quantitative trait loci and a major locus for resistance to grey leaf spot in maize

The genetic basis of GLS resistance was dissected using two DH populations sharing a common resistant parent. A major QTL repeatedly detected in multiple developmental stages and environments was fine mapped in a backcross population. Grey leaf spot (GLS), caused by Cercospora zeae-maydis or Cercospora zeina, is a highly destructive foliar disease worldwide. However, the mechanism of resistance against GLS is not well understood. To study the inheritance of this resistance, we developed two doubled haploid (DH) populations sharing a common resistant parent. The two DH populations were grown in two locations representing the typical maize-growing mountain area in Southwest China for 2 years. GLS disease severity was investigated 2 or 3 times until maturity in the 2 years, and the area under the disease progress curve was calculated. Two high-density linkage maps were constructed by genotyping-by-sequencing. A total of 22 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) were detected for GLS resistance, with most QTLs being repeatedly detected in different stages, locations and years. The confidence intervals of two major QTLs (qGLS_Y2-2 and qGLS_Z2-1) on chromosome 2 from the two DH populations overlapped with each other and were integrated into one consensus QTL (qGLS_YZ2-1). Using highly resistant and highly susceptible plants from a BC₃ population, we fine mapped this genetic locus to a genomic region of 2.4 Mb. Using a panel of 255 inbred lines from breeding programmes, we detected associations between markers in the qGLS_YZ2-1 region and GLS resistance. The peak marker (ID-B1) will be very useful for marker-assisted breeding for GLS resistance.