Quantitative Trait Loci Controlling Leaf and Tassel Traits in a B73 × Mo17 Population of Maize

ABSTRACT Light penetration into the canopy of maize (Zea mays L.) production fields is an important determinant of grain yield. Factors affecting light penetration include agricultural practices such as planting density and plant morphological factors such as leaf angle, leaf size, and tassel size. The objectives of this experiment were to identify genomic regions controlling the inheritance of leaf angle and tassel morphology in a B73 × Mo17 recombinant inbred population. Three quantitative trait loci (QTL) for tassel branch angle were detected which explained 35.6% of the phenotypic variation. Six QTL were detected for tassel branch number with three of these QTL on chromosome 2. Nine QTL were detected for leaf angle in one or more environments. Significant phenotypic correlations were detected between tassel branch angle and tassel branch number and between tassel branch number and leaf angle. Overlapping support intervals were identified between QTL detected for leaf angle and for tassel branch number on chromosome 2 near marker umc53a. Additionally, a QTL near marker bnl6.10 on chromosome 5 identified for tassel branch angle was in the same region as a QTL identified for leaf angle. The results of this study indicate that common genetic relationships exist between tassel traits and leaf angle.