Analysis of the epistatic and QTL×environments interaction effects of plant height in maize (Zea mays L.)

A genetic map containing 103 microsatellite loci and 200 F2 plants derived from the cross R15 × Ye478 were used for mapping of quantitative trait loci (QTL) in maize (Zea mays L.). QTLs were characterized in a population of 200 F2:4 lines, derived from selfing the F2 plants, and were evaluated with two replications in two environments. QTL mapping analysis of plant height was performed by using QTLMapper 2.0 software. Three main-effect QTLs and seven pairs of distinctly epistatic loci included a total of fourteen QTLs were located on seven chromosomes. QTL main effects of additive, dominance, and additive × additive, additive × dominance, and dominance×dominance interactions were estimated. Interaction effects between QTL main effects and QTL×environments (QE) were also predicted. Less than 30% of single effects for identified QTLs were significant at 5% level. The information about epistatic QTLs and QE interaction will facilitate marker assisted selection for plant height breeding programs in maize.