Identification of quantitative trait loci and epistasis for root characteristics and root exudations in maize (Zea mays L.) under deficient phosphorus

The phosphorus uptake (PU) in above-ground parts of plant,root characteristics and root exudations as well as the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) associated with these characteristics were determined for a F2:3 population derived from the cross of two contrasting maize (Zea mays L.) genotypes,082 and Ye107.A total of 241 F2:3 families were evaluated in replicated trials under deficient phosphorus conditions in 2007 at two sites (Kaixian County and Southwest University,Chongqing,P.R.China).The results show pleiotropy and close linkage among QTLs.Four common regions in different environments were in bnlg100bnlg1268b (bins 1.02) for QTL of H+,bnlg1268a-umc1290a (bins 1.09) for QTL of AP (acid phosphatase activity),dupssr15-P1M7/a (bins 6.06) for QTLs of PU (phosphorus uptake) and RW (root weight),and P1M3/d-P1M3/g (bins9.04) for QTLs of PU and AP.These QTLs are non-environment or minor QTLs × environment.By epistatic analysis,three main QTLs and eighteen QTLs × QTLs interactions were detected for the seven measured characteristics.These QTLs may affect trait expression by epistatic interaction with the other loci,and make a substantial contribution to phosphorus utilization efficiency,which should be considered when breeding maize varieties with high P efficiency.Two regions were detected in dupssr15-P1M7/a (bins 6.06) for QTL of RW and P1M3/d-P1M3/g (bins 9.04) for QTL of PU and AP.They were detected in two different environments and by two methods of QTL analysis,which were useful for marker-assisted selection.