Molecular Plant Breeding 2024, Vol.15, No.6, 340-350 http://genbreedpublisher.com/index.php/mpb 340 Research Insight Open Access QTL Mapping of Resistance to Ear Rot in Maize Based on SNP Markers and Improvement of High-Yield and Disease-Resistance Traits LanZhou1, YanBao1 , Dongna Zhang2, Shuling Wang1, Yingji Zhang1, XuetaoYu1 1 Jilin Agricultural Science and Technology University, Jilin, 220200, Jilin, China 2 Economic Information Center of Zhenlai County, Zhenlai, 220821, Jilin, China Corresponding email: baoyan0302@126.com Molecular Plant Breeding, 2024, Vol.15, No.6 doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0032 Received: 10 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 13 Nov., 2024 Published: 21 Nov., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Zhou et al., This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Zhou L., Bao Y., Zhang D.N., Wang S.L., Zhang Y.J., and Yu X.T., 2024, QTL mapping of resistance to ear rot in maize based on SNP markers and improvement of high-yield and disease-resistance traits, Molecular Plant Breeding, 15(6): 340-350 (doi: 10.5376/mpb.2024.15.0032) Abstract Ear rot is an important disease affecting maize production, resulting in serious yield loss and quality decline. Using a set of maize line populations, QTL mapping was performed to identify genomic regions associated with ear rot resistance. This study found several significant QTLS associated with ear rot resistance, some of which overlapped with regions controlling yield traits, suggesting that both resistance and yield could be improved. The SNP markers identified were used in marker-assisted selection (MAS) strategies to accelerate the development of high-yielding and disease-resistant maize varieties. The aim of this study was to use single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers to locate quantitative trait loci (QTL) for maize ear rot resistance, and to improve high yield and disease resistance. These findings provide important genetic insights into ear rot resistance in maize and provide a framework for future breeding efforts aimed at improving maize productivity and disease resistance. Keywords QTL mapping; SNP markers; Resistance to ear rot; Maize breeding; High yield traits 1 Introduction Ear rot diseases, particularly Fusarium ear rot (FER) and Gibberella ear rot (GER), are among the most devastating afflictions affecting maize (Zea mays L.) globally (Mukanga et al., 2010; Mesterházy et al., 2012; Gxasheka et al., 2015). These diseases not only significantly reduce maize yield but also compromise grain quality through contamination with harmful mycotoxins such as fumonisins and deoxynivalenol, which pose serious health risks to humans and animals (Lanubile et al., 2017; Yao et al., 2020; Akohoue and Miedaner, 2022). The economic impact of these diseases is profound, with losses estimated to be around 30% of the total yield in affected regions (Gaikpa and Miedaner, 2019). Traditional methods of disease control, including chemical treatments and agronomic practices, have proven to be insufficient and costly, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions through genetic resistance (Lanubile et al., 2017). Quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping has emerged as a powerful tool in identifying genetic regions associated with resistance to ear rot diseases in maize. This approach involves the use of dense genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) to locate QTLs that confer resistance to FER and GER (Wen et al., 2020; Zhou et al., 2021). Recent studies have successfully identified multiple QTLs and candidate genes that are linked to resistance traits, enabling the development of maize varieties with enhanced resistance to these diseases (Ali et al., 2005; Yao et al., 2020). For instance, meta-analysis and co-expression studies have revealed stable QTLs and candidate genes that can be integrated into breeding programs to improve selection efficiency and reduce mycotoxin contamination (Akohoue and Miedaner, 2022). Additionally, genome-wide association studies (GWAS) and transcriptome analyses have identified significant SNPs and differentially expressed genes involved in early immune responses to ear rot pathogens, further elucidating the genetic architecture of resistance (Yao et al., 2020; Yuan et al., 2022). This study systematically investigated QTL mapping for ear rot resistance in maize using SNP markers, using advanced genetic mapping techniques including meta-analysis, GWAS, and transcriptomic analysis to provide a comprehensive understanding of the genetic basis for ear rot resistance and to facilitate the application of these findings in practical breeding programs. The aim of this study was to identify and validate QTLS associated with
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