Abstract
Kernel abortion is common phenomenon in vivo haploid induction and closely linked with haploid induction rate, but little information of kernel abortion is available and its genetic basis still unclear. We used two mapping populations including 186 and 263 F2.3 family lines to analyze the different degree of kernel abortion and identify quantitative trait loci (QTL) responsible for kernel abortion during haploid induction. In total 62 putative QTL, accounting for 3.27–14.70% of the phenotypic variation in kernel abortion traits, were detected across all 10 chromosomes. Ten QTL with over 10% contribution to phenotypic variation were affecting the fifth level of endosperm abortion (EnA5th), endosperm abortion (EnA) and total abortion (TA). Co-localization among kernel abortion traits QTL was observed in both populations and among different kernel abortion types. Five overlaps were indentified in the QTL for kernel abortion traits and HIR traits. Maize chromosome bins 3.01–3.02, 3.04–3.06, 4.05–4.06, 5.03–5.04, 8.06 were QTL hotspots for three or four traits related to the kernel abortion during haploid induction. Total kernel abortion rate (TAR) and HIR showed highly significant positive correlation. These findings may help to reveal haploid induction mechanisms and improve haploid production efficiency.
Highlights
Defective kernels are a concern to breeders as kernel abortion reduces grain yield potential
Ten quantitative trait loci (QTL) with over 10% contribution to phenotypic variation were affecting the fifth level of endosperm abortion (EnA5th), endosperm abortion (EnA) and total abortion (TA)
Our results suggest that kernel abortion occurs during haploid induction is controlled by several QTL and is related to haploid induction
Summary
Defective kernels are a concern to breeders as kernel abortion reduces grain yield potential. Defective kernels can be caused either by physiological or reproductive factors. The former results from discordant flow of organic matter from source to sink. These could be source limits caused by insufficient sunlight or interrupted flow of dry matter accumulation and transportion caused by a disrupted vascular system in case of lodging. If this happens early 4–14 days after double fertilization, grain filling has not started.
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