Confirmation of a major QTL on chromosome 10 for maize kernel row number in different environments.

Maize kernel row number ( KRN) is an important agronomic trait. In this study, 13 quantitative trait loci ( QTL) for maize KRN were identified in different environments using F2:3 and F2:4 populations developed from two inbred lines. These QTL are distributed on chromosomes 2,3,5,8 and 10, and the genic effects are additive or partially dominant. Using the BC3 F2:3 populations developed from the same parental lines, QTL of KRN located on chromosomes 5 and 10 were also identified in two environments. Three BC5 F2:3 populations were used to confirm the major QTL for KRN between ssr1430 and umc1077 on chromosome 10(q KRN10). This result will facilitate the fine mapping and map-based cloning of this major QTL in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]