文摘
Kernel length (KL) is one of the key traits related to kernel size in maize, but the underlying genetic mechanisms remain vague. The qKL1.07 locus, located in the long arm of Chromosome 1, has been identified frequently as a major QTL for KL. In the present study, using Mo17 as the donor parent and HZS the recurrent parent, we developed a series of backcross populations, including BC3F2, BC3F3 and BC3F4, to fine map qKL1.07. The results indicated that the region of qKL1.07 could be narrowed down to a 1.6 Mb interval flanked by two markers: ML194 and ML162. Furthermore, we performed the regional association analysis using a panel of 627 diverse inbred lines and four significant SNPs were detected to associate with the target trait within the interval of qKL1.07. When the results of the linkage mapping and association analysis were combined, the ZmCKX10 gene, encoding cytokinin oxidase, was supposed to be the candidate gene that is most likely responsible for qKL1.07.