ABSTRACT Kernel row number (KRN) is a key component of maize ( Zea mays L.) yield. Identifying regulatory genes for KRN and manipulating them genetically represent an important strategy for high‐yield maize breeding. In this study, using inbred lines Y1648 and Y2328, which exhibit great differences in KRN, as recurrent and donor parents, respectively, we developed high‐generation near‐isogenic lines (NILs) and performed fine mapping of KRN. A quantitative trait locus (QTL) was delimited to an interval between 84.15 and 85.74 Mb on chromosome 10 and designated as qKRN10 . Candidate gene association analysis further narrowed down the target region to a 360‐kb segment. Within this region, GRMZM2G005126 encodes a C3H‐type transcription factor and is expressed during maize ear development. Moreover, RNA‐seq analysis revealed significant differences in the expression levels of this gene between the two NILs, suggesting that GRMZM2G005126 is likely the candidate gene underlying the major QTL qKRN10 responsible for KRN regulation. This study provides genetic targets and gene resources with potential application value for maize breeding.
Xu et al. (Fri,) studied this question.