Accurate Phenotypic Identification and Genetic Analysis of the Ear Leaf Veins in Maize (Zea mays L.)

The ear leaf veins are an important transport structure in the maize "source" organ; therefore, microscopic phenotypic characteristics and genetic analysis of particularly essential for promoting breeding ideal varieties with high yield quality. In this study, image complete blade cross section was realized using X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) technology a resolution 13.5 µm. Moreover, veins’ traits leaf, including number veins, midvein area, width, density were automatically accurately detected by deep-learning-integrated phenotyping pipeline. Then, we systematically collected vein phenotypes 300 inbred lines at silking stage leaves. It found that varied among different subgroups. area stiff-stalk (SS) subgroup significantly higher than those other three subgroups, but width smallest. tropical/subtropical (TST) largest, there no significant difference between TST Combined genome-wide association study (GWAS), 61 single-nucleotide polymorphism markers (SNPs) 29 candidate genes identified. Among them, gene Zm00001d018081 regulating Zm00001d027998 will provide new theoretical support in-depth mechanism veins.