title: Genetic architecture of the maize kernel row number revealed by combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and bulked segregant RNA sequencing.
abstract: The maize kernel row number (KRN) is a key component that contributes to grain yield and has high broad-sense heritability (H2). Quantitative trait locus/loci (QTL) mapping using a high-density genetic map is a powerful approach to detecting loci that are responsible for traits of interest. Bulked segregant ribonucleic acid (RNA) sequencing (BSR-seq) is another rapid and cost-effective strategy to identify QTL. Combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and BSR-seq may dissect comprehensively the genetic architecture underlying the maize KRN.
  
  
  
  A panel of 300 F2individuals derived from inbred lines abe2 and B73 were genotyped using the specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing (SLAF-seq) method. A total of 4,579 high-quality polymorphic SLAF markers were obtained and used to construct a high-density genetic map with a total length of 2,123 centimorgan (cM) and an average distance between adjacent markers of 0.46 cM. Combining the genetic map and KRN of F2individuals, four QTL (qKRN1, qKRN2, qKRN5, and qKRN8-1) were identified on chromosomes 1, 2, 5, and 8, respectively. The physical intervals of these four QTL ranged from 4.36 Mb for qKRN8-1 to 7.11 Mb for qKRN1 with an average value of 6.08 Mb. Based on high-throughput sequencing of two RNA pools bulked from leaves of plants with extremely high and low KRNs, two QTL were detected on chromosome 8 in the 10-25 Mb (BSR_QTL1) and 60-150 Mb (BSR_QTL2) intervals. According to the physical positions of these QTL, qKRN8-1 was included by BSR_QTL2. In addition, qKRN8-1 was validated using QTL mapping with a recombinant inbred lines population that was derived from inbred lines abe2 and B73.
  
  
  
  In this study, we proved that combining QTL mapping using a high-density genetic map and BSR-seq is a powerful and cost-effective approach to comprehensively revealing genetic architecture underlying traits of interest. The QTL for the KRN detected in this study, especially qKRN8-1, can be used for performing fine mapping experiments and marker-assisted selection in maize breeding.
authors.affiliation: Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
authors.forename: Changlin
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Anhui Agricultural University, Hefei, Anhui Province, 230036, China.
authors.forename: Qiang
authors.initials: Q
authors.lastname: Zhou
authors.affiliation: Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
authors.forename: Le
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Dong
authors.affiliation: Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
authors.forename: Hui
authors.initials: H
authors.lastname: Wang
authors.affiliation: Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
authors.forename: Fang
authors.initials: F
authors.lastname: Liu
authors.affiliation: Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
authors.forename: Jianfeng
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Weng
authors.affiliation: Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China.
authors.forename: Xinhai
authors.initials: X
authors.lastname: Li
authors.affiliation: Institute of Crop Science, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences, No. 12 Zhongguancun South Street, Haidian District, Beijing, 100081, China. xiechuanxiao@caas.cn.
authors.forename: Chuanxiao
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Xie
mesh_terms: D001947:Breeding; D002874:Chromosome Mapping; D032461:Chromosomes, Plant; D056726:Genetic Association Studies; D008040:Genetic Linkage; D023281:Genomics / Q000379:methods*; D005838:Genotype; D010641:Phenotype; D011110:Polymorphism, Genetic; D040641:Quantitative Trait Loci; D015203:Reproducibility of Results; D003313:Zea mays / Q000235:genetics*
keywords: Bulked segregant RNA sequencing; Kernel row number; Maize; Specific-locus amplified fragment sequencing