Table_2_Genetic dissection of QTLs for starch content in four maize DH populations.XLSX

Starch is the principal carbohydrate source in maize kernels. Understanding the genetic basis of starch content (SC) benefits greatly in improving maize yield and optimizing end-use quality. Here, four double haploid (DH) populations were generated and were used to identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with SC. The phenotype of SC exhibited continuous and approximate normal distribution in each population. A total of 13 QTLs for SC in maize kernels was detected in a range of 3.65–16.18% of phenotypic variation explained (PVE). Among those, only some partly overlapped with QTLs previously known to be related to SC. Meanwhile, 12 genes involved in starch synthesis and metabolism located within QTLs were identified in this study. These QTLs will lay the foundation to explore candidate genes regulating SC in maize kernel and facilitate the application of molecular marker-assisted selection for a breeding program to cultivate maize varieties with a deal of grain quality.

淀粉是玉米籽粒主要的碳水化合物来源。解析淀粉含量（Starch Content，SC）的遗传基础，对提升玉米产量、优化终端利用品质具有重要意义。本研究构建了4个双单倍体（double haploid，DH）群体，用于定位与SC相关的数量性状位点（quantitative trait loci，QTL）。各群体中SC的表型均呈连续近似正态分布。本研究共检测到13个控制玉米籽粒SC的QTL，其表型解释率（phenotypic variation explained，PVE）范围为3.65%~16.18%。其中仅有部分位点与此前已报道的SC相关QTL存在部分重叠。与此同时，本研究在上述QTL区间内鉴定出12个参与淀粉合成与代谢的基因。上述QTL可为解析玉米籽粒SC调控的候选基因奠定研究基础，并有助于将分子标记辅助选择技术应用于育种项目，以培育籽粒品质优良的玉米品种。