Quantitative trait loci mapping and meta-analysis across three generations for popping characteristics in popcorn

Popping characteristics play a determinant role in the utilization of popcorn (Zea mays L.). In this study, the RIL population with 258 recombinant inbred lines was evaluated to detect quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for three popping characteristics (PF, popping fold; PV, popping volume; PR, popping rate) under four environments. Meta-analysis was used to integrate detected QTLs across three generations (RIL, F2:3 and BC2F2) derived from the same cross. All eleven QTLs were detected for three traits, on chromosomes 1, 2, 4, 6 and 10 for PF, on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 7 and 10 for PV, and on chromosomes 1, 4, 6 and 10 for PR. Three, 1, 3, 6 and 6 QTL were detected in the same marker intervals in 4, 3, 2, 1 cases, respectively. Four QTLs at bins 1.05–1.06, 1.08–1.09 and 7.03–7.04 were commonly detected in the same or near bins in all three generations. Six and 2 QTLs showed consistency across RIL/F2:3 or RIL/BC2F2 generations respectively. Nine meta-QTLs (mQTL) were detected on chromosomes 1, 4, 6, 7, 8 and 10. Except mQTL7-1, only related with PV, other mQTLs included two or three traits, reflecting pleiotropic or tightly linkaged QTLs for popping characteristics. The QTL influencing all the three popping traits at bins 1.05–1.06 were also detected in other previous researches using different populations, which could be put into use in marker assisted breeding for popping characteristics in popcorn.

► RILs population was evaluated for three popping characteristics.
► Meta-analysis was used to integrate detected QTL across three generations.
►  Four QTLs were commonly detected in three generations.
► Nine meta-QTLs were detected for three popping traits across three generations.