QTL Analysis of Plant Height and Ear Height in Maize under Different Water Regimes

Drought is one of the most important factors influencing maize yield. Under drought conditions, plant height and ear height are affected. In the present study, quantitative trait loci (QTL) for plant height and ear height were analyzed using F_(2∶3) families of A188×91 Huang 15. The results showed that under drought conditions ten and ten QTL associated with plant height and ear height, respectively. Six and six QTL associated with plant height and ear height under normal conditions were detected, respectively. The number of QTL located on chromosome 8 accounted for nearly half of total QTL detected, with LOD more than 4.6. It was postulated that chromosome 8 carries important regions controlling plant height and ear height. QTL controlling both plant height and ear height under water stress was detected near bnlg1812, which could explain over 20% of phenotypic variation. This marker could be useful in marker-assisted selection.