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In this study, hotspot regions, QTL clusters, and candidate genes for eight ear-related traits of maize (ear length, ear diameter, kernel row number, kernel number per row, kernel length, kernel width, kernel thickness, and 100-kernel weight) were summarized and analyzed over the past three decades. This review aims to (1) comprehensively summarize and analyze previous studies on QTLs associated with these eight ear-related traits and identify hotspot bin regions located on maize chromosomes and key candidate genes associated with the ear-related traits and (2) compile major and stable QTLs and QTL clusters from various mapping populations and mapping methods and techniques providing valuable insights for fine mapping, gene cloning, and breeding for high-yield and high-quality maize. Previous research has demonstrated that QTLs for ear-related traits are distributed across all ten chromosomes in maize, and the phenotypic variation explained by a single QTL ranged from 0.40% to 36.76%. In total, 23 QTL hotspot bins for ear-related traits were identified across all ten chromosomes. The most prominent hotspot region is bin 4.08 on chromosome 4 with 15 QTLs related to eight ear-related traits. Additionally, this study identified 48 candidate genes associated with ear-related traits. Out of these, five have been cloned and validated, while twenty-eight candidate genes located in the QTL hotspots were defined by this study. This review offers a deeper understanding of the advancements in QTL mapping and the identification of key candidates associated with eight ear-related traits. These insights will undoubtedly assist maize breeders in formulating strategies to develop higher-yield maize varieties, contributing to global food security. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The middle to lower reaches of the Yangtze River are China's second largest area for wheat production; wheat disease is more serious there than in other areas because of the high humidity and warm weather. However, most cultivated varieties are susceptible to Fusarium head blight (FHB), powdery mildew, and stripe rust, and the lack of disease-resistant germplasm is an obstacle in wheat breeding. Rye and Thinopyrum elongatum, related species of wheat, carry many genes involved in disease resistance. In this study, a trigeneric hybrid, YZU21, with resistance to FHB, powdery mildew, and stripe rust was used to improve two major wheat cultivars, Ningmai 13 (NM13) and Yangmai 23 (YM23). Specific molecular markers and GISH were used to identify hybrid progenies. Five addition or substitution lines and one translocation line of the Triticum-Secale-Thinopyrum trigeneric hybrid were obtained and evaluated for agronomic traits and the resistance to multiple diseases. The results showed that the six trigeneric hybrid lines had desirable agronomic traits and improved resistance to FHB, powdery mildew, and stripe rust; they might be used as parents in wheat breeding for the resistance to multiple disease. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this study, hotspot regions, QTL clusters, and candidate genes for eight ear-related traits of maize (ear length, ear diameter, kernel row number, kernel number per row, kernel length, kernel width, kernel thickness, and 100-kernel weight) were summarized and analyzed over the past three decades. This review aims to (1) comprehensively summarize and analyze previous studies on QTLs associated with these eight ear-related traits and identify hotspot bin regions located on maize chromosomes and key candidate genes associated with the ear-related traits and (2) compile major and stable QTLs and QTL clusters from various mapping populations and mapping methods and techniques providing valuable insights for fine mapping, gene cloning, and breeding for high-yield and high-quality maize. Previous research has demonstrated that QTLs for ear-related traits are distributed across all ten chromosomes in maize, and the phenotypic variation explained by a single QTL ranged from 0.40% to 36.76%. In total, 23 QTL hotspot bins for ear-related traits were identified across all ten chromosomes. The most prominent hotspot region is bin 4.08 on chromosome 4 with 15 QTLs related to eight ear-related traits. Additionally, this study identified 48 candidate genes associated with ear-related traits. Out of these, five have been cloned and validated, while twenty-eight candidate genes located in the QTL hotspots were defined by this study. This review offers a deeper understanding of the advancements in QTL mapping and the identification of key candidates associated with eight ear-related traits. These insights will undoubtedly assist maize breeders in formulating strategies to develop higher-yield maize varieties, contributing to global food security.