Identification of QTL for leaf angle at canopy-wide levels in maize

Leaf angle (LA) is one of the most important canopy architecture related traits in maize (Zea mays L.). However, genetic basis LA at canopy-wide levels still not completely understood. In this study, RIL population derived from two parent lines with distinct plant was used for QTL mapping eight leaves below tassel across three environments. Fifty-six were identified single environment analysis and 44 detected joint analysis. Among them, nine common because they more than 1 or 2 3 The could explain 1.29–20.14% phenotypic variation affecting 1–8 leaves, included qLA5.1 affected all qLA3.1 upper (1stLA–4thLA), qLA9.1 lower (5thLA–8thLA). Furthermore, 8thLA mainly by major minor QTL; 1stLA, 4thLA 5thLA QTL, epistatic interactions; other four LAs simultaneously interactions environments, inferred that different. These results provide a comprehensive understanding levels, which will be helpful to design ideal maize.