Mapping quantitative trait loci and predicting candidate genes for leaf angle in maize

Ning Zhang,Xueqing Huang,Maoteng Li

doi:10.1371/journal.pone.0245129

Abstract

Leaf angle of maize is a fundamental determinant of plant architecture and an important trait influencing photosynthetic efficiency and crop yields. To broaden our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of leaf angle formation, we constructed a F3:4 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population to map QTL for leaf angle. The RIL was derived from a cross between a model inbred line (B73) with expanded leaf architecture and an elite inbred line (Zheng58) with compact leaf architecture. A sum of eight QTL were detected on chromosome 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8. Single QTL explained 4.3 to 14.2% of the leaf angle variance. Additionally, some important QTL were confirmed through a heterogeneous inbred family (HIF) approach. Furthermore, twenty-four candidate genes for leaf angle were predicted through whole-genome re-sequencing and expression analysis in qLA02-01and qLA08-01 regions. These results will be helpful to elucidate the genetic mechanism of leaf angle formation in maize and benefit to clone the favorable allele for leaf angle. Besides, this will be helpful to develop the novel maize varieties with ideal plant architecture through marker-assisted selection.

Highlights

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide, and increasing the grain yield has been the most important goals of maize production [1]
Among the various traits that are normally considered in maize breeding programs, the leaf angle (LA), defined as the angle of leaf bending away from the main stem, is an important trait influencing plant architecture and yield production [2,3]
Comparing the genomic sequence differences in the qLA02-01 region between the two parents, we found that 156 genes were variated in the coding region, of which 18 stop gained single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and 8 start lost SNP were related to 30 genes and 254 InDel were related to 126 genes

Summary

Introduction

Maize (Zea mays L.) is one of the most important cereal crops worldwide, and increasing the grain yield has been the most important goals of maize production [1]. Among the various traits that are normally considered in maize breeding programs, the leaf angle (LA), defined as the angle of leaf bending away from the main stem, is an important trait influencing plant architecture and yield production [2,3]. Upright leaves can maximize photosynthesis efficiency through maintaining light capture and reducing shading as canopies went more crowded, which in turn increase yield production in high density cultivation [3,4,5,6]. An appropriate leaf angle is a prerequisite for attaining the desired grain yield in maize-breeding projects. A more thorough understanding of the molecular and genetic mechanism determining leaf angle will contribute to develop novel maize varieties with ideal plant architecture

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