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SUMMARY: The ability of immature maize (Zea mays) embryos to form embryonic calluses (ECs) is highly genotype dependent, which limits transgenic breeding development in maize. Here, we report the association map‐based cloning of ZmSAUR15 using an association panel (AP) consisting of 309 inbred lines with diverse formation abilities for ECs. We demonstrated that ZmSAUR15, which encodes a small auxin‐upregulated RNA, acts as a negative effector in maize EC induction. Polymorphisms in the ZmSAUR15 promoter that influence the expression of ZmSAUR15 transcripts modulate the EC induction capacity in maize. ZmSAUR15 is involved in indole‐3‐acetic acid biosynthesis and cell division in immature embryo‐derived callus. The ability of immature embryos to induce EC formation can be improved by the knockout of ZmSAUR15, which consequently increases the callus regeneration efficiency. Our study provides new insights into overcoming the genotypic limitations associated with EC formation and improving genetic transformation in maize. Significance Statement: Embryonic callus formation is highly genotype dependent in maize, which largely limits maize transgenic breeding development. This study found that ZmSAUR15 negatively effects embryonic callus formation in maize. The polymorphisms in the ZmSAUR15 promoter influence its expression. Furthermore, ZmSAUR15 modulates indole‐3‐acetic acid biosynthesis and cell division in callus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]