Quantitative trait loci mapping of forage stover quality traits in six mapping populations derived from European elite maize germplasm

Abstract

AbstractFour forage maize stover quality traits were analysed including in vitro digestibility of organic matter (IVDOM), neutral detergent fibre (NDF), water‐soluble carbohydrates (WSC) and digestibility of NDF (DNDF). We mapped quantitative trait loci (QTL) in three DH (doubled haploid) populations (totally 250–720 DH lines): one RIL population (358 lines) and two testcross (TC) populations, based on field phenotyping at multiple locations and years for each. High phenotypic and genotypic correlations were found for all traits and significant (p < .01) at two locations, and NDF was negatively correlated with the other traits. QTL analyses were conducted by composite interval mapping. A total of 33, 23, 32 and 25 QTL were identified for IVDOM, NDF, WSC and DNDF, respectively, with three, four, five and two major QTL for each. Few consistent QTL for IVDOM, WSC and DNDF were detected in more than two populations. This study contributed to the identification of key QTL associated with forage maize digestibility traits and is beneficial for marker‐assisted breeding and fine mapping of candidate genes associated with forage maize quality.