Genomic analysis of a new heterotic maize group reveals key loci for pedigree breeding

Genome-wide analyses of maize populations have clarified the genetic basis crop domestication and improvement. However, limited information is available on how breeding improvement reshaped genome in process formation heterotic groups. In this study, we identified a new group (X group) based an examination 512 Chinese inbred lines. The X was clearly distinct from other non-H&L groups, implying that × HIL pattern. We selected core lines for analysis yield-related traits. Almost all traits were better than those parental lines, indicating primary during generated whole-genome sequences these with average coverage 17.35× to explore changes further. analyzed identity-by-descent (IBD) segments transferred two parents 29 28 IBD conserved regions (ICRs) PH4CV PH6WC, respectively, accounting 28.8% 12.8% genome. also 103, 89, 131 selective sweeps (SSWs) using methods involved π, Tajima’s D, CLR values, respectively. Notably, 96.13% ICRs co-localized SSWs, SSW signals concentrated ICRs. 171 annotated genes associated both SSWs. To identify factors yield improvement, conducted QTL mapping 240 DH population (PH4CV which are X1132X) ten key total 55 QTLs. Furthermore, detected three clusters Based evidence, finally contributing group. These findings reveal loci targeted pedigree provide insights future genomic breeding.