Aflatoxin Accumulation and Associated Traits in QPM Maize Inbreds and their Testcrosses

Preharvest aflatoxin (AF) contamination by Aspergillus flavus Link:Fr is one of the main limitations for maize (Zea mays, L.) production in the southern USA, causing enormous economic losses and posing a risk to animal and human health. The objectives of this study were (1) to estimate aflatoxin accumulation and expression of associated traits in quality protein maize (QPM) inbreds and their testcrosses, (2) to compute their repeatabilities and correlations, and (3) to study the relationship between inbred lines and their testcrosses for aflatoxin accumulation. Forty-eight inbreds and their testcrosses plus checks were grown in one and three locations in south and central Texas, respectively. Aflatoxin concentration was evaluated in the plants following inoculation with A. flavus. Average aflatoxin concentration overall for inbreds was 286.3 ng g⁻¹, and for testcrosses 596.5 ng g⁻¹ at Corpus Christi, TX, 325.1 ng g⁻¹ at Weslaco, TX, and 105.1 ng g⁻¹ at College Station, TX. Flinty orange inbreds developed from CIMMYT Population 69 were the least susceptible to aflatoxin accumulation in both inbreds and testcrosses at all locations. Repeatability for aflatoxin was 0.67 in inbreds at Weslaco, TX and 0.54 in testcrosses across locations. Aflatoxin in testcrosses was positively correlated both phenotycally and genotypically with endosperm texture and kernel integrity, and negatively correlated with grain yield and silking date. Less aflatoxin accumulation was associated with flinty endosperm texture, better kernel integrity, and later maturities. Association between the expression of traits in inbreds and aflatoxin in testcrosses was relatively high for endosperm texture (R ² = 0.62), silking date (R ² = 0.44), kernel integrity (R ² = 0.39), and aflatoxin (R ² = 0.60 for log ng g⁻¹). It seems plausible to select for associated traits having high heritabilities and strong correlation with aflatoxin, in addition to low aflatoxin accumulation in inbreds and hybrids to reduce the risk of aflatoxin contamination.     

Genetic control of kernel modification found in South African quality protein maize inbred lines

Summary The genetic control of endosperm modification in 12 opaque-2 maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines was investigated by means of a diallel cross experiment conducted across two environments. Kernel vitreousness and kernel hardness were determined by partially dominant genes. Additive gene action was largely responsible for kernel modification. A favourable general combining ability for kernel vitreousness and kernel hardness was positively correlated with an accumulation of dominant kernel modifying genes. South African sources of endosperm modifiers have been found to be similar to those used in other quality protein maize breeding programmes. Certain inbred lines displayed sufficient genetic potential for use in a quality protein maize hybrid breeding programme.     

玉米灌浆期果穗不同部位籽粒碳水化合物积累与淀粉合成相关酶活性变化

玉米果穗顶部籽粒通常较中、下部籽粒充实差,粒重轻,其机制不清楚。本研究旨在探明玉米果穗不同部位籽粒淀粉合成相关酶活性变化及其与籽粒灌浆的关系。以玉米品种登海11为材料,分别进行春播和夏播试验,观察果穗不同部位籽粒中可溶性糖、蔗糖和淀粉的含量及淀粉合成相关酶活性变化。结果显示,与夏播玉米相比,春播玉米具有较多的每穗粒数、较高的百粒重和产量。虽然产量在春播和夏播间有差异,但两季玉米籽粒的最大灌浆速率、平均灌浆速率、百粒重、可溶性糖和蔗糖含量、最大淀粉积累速率、平均淀粉积累速率均表现为果穗下部籽粒中部籽粒上部籽粒。灌浆期果穗不同部位籽粒腺苷二磷酸葡萄糖焦磷酸化酶(AGPase)、淀粉合酶(St S)和淀粉分支酶(SBE)活性变化均呈单峰曲线,果穗上部籽粒AGPase、St S和SBE活性峰值和平均值均显著低于果穗中、下部籽粒。相关分析表明,淀粉积累速率、籽粒灌浆速率与AGPase、St S和SBE活性均呈极显著正相关。说明玉米果穗顶部籽粒较低的AGPase、St S和SBE活性是其灌浆较差、粒重较低的重要原因。春播玉米粒重较高,与其灌浆期较强的淀粉合成能力有关。     

QTL for maize grain yield identified by QTL mapping in six environments and consensus loci for grain weight detected by meta‐analysis

Grain yield is the most important and complicated trait in maize. In this study, a total of 498 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) derived from a biparental cross of two elite inbred lines, 178 and P53, were grown in six different environments. Quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping was conducted for three grain yield component traits (100 grain weight, ear weight and kernel weight per plant). Subsequently, meta‐analysis was performed after a comprehensive review of the research on QTL mapping for grain weight (100, 300 and 1000) using BioMercator V4.2. In total, 62 QTLs were identified for 100 grain weight, ear weight and kernel weight per plant in six environments. Forty‐three meta‐QTLs (MQTLs) were detected by meta‐analysis. A total of 13 candidate genes homologous to eight functionally characterized rice genes were found, and four candidate genes were located in the two hot spot regions of MQTL1.5 and MQTL2.3. Our results suggest that the combination of literature collection, meta‐analysis and homologous blast searches can offer abundant information for further fine mapping, marker‐assisted selection (MAS) breeding and map‐based cloning for maize.     

根系分区交替灌溉对玉米籽粒灌浆及相关生理特性的影响

本研究旨在探明根系分区交替灌溉对玉米强、弱势粒灌浆及其相关生理特性的影响。以高产玉米品种登海11为材料,自抽雄至成熟设置常规灌溉(CI)和根系分区交替灌溉(PAI) 2种灌溉方式,观察植株穗位叶的光合特性、衰老特性、茎鞘非结构性碳水化合物(NSC)运转、强势粒和弱势粒中乙烯和多胺含量、籽粒灌浆特征及淀粉积累特性等变化。结果表明,与CI相比,PAI显著增加了籽粒产量,提高了灌浆后期穗位叶的光合性能,延缓了叶片衰老,促进了玉米茎鞘NSC的运转,增加了弱势粒中亚精胺(free-Spd)和精胺(free-Spm)含量,降低了弱势粒中腐胺(free-Put)含量和乙烯释放速率。PAI对强势粒多胺含量、乙烯释放速率以及灌浆速率和淀粉积累速率无显著影响。相关分析表明,籽粒灌浆速率和淀粉积累速率与内源free-Spd和free-Spm含量呈极显著正相关,与乙烯释放速率呈显著或极显著负相关。表明灌浆期较强的叶片光合能力、较高的茎鞘NSC运转率、弱势粒中较高的free-Spd和free-Spm水平以及较低的乙烯释放速率是PAI促进弱势粒灌浆和提高产量的重要原因。     

玉米产量及产量相关性状QTL的图谱整合

利用生物信息学方法,借助高密度分子标记遗传图谱IBM2 2008 neighbors,利用图谱映射和元分析的方法,对不同试验中定位的400个玉米产量及产量相关性状QTL进行了图谱整合,构建了玉米产量及产量相关性状QTL的综合图谱和一致性图谱。结果表明,玉米产量及产量相关性状QTL在10条染色体上呈非均匀分布,第1染色体上最多,第10染色体上最少;发掘出96个玉米产量及产量相关性状的“一致性”QTL;关联性较强的产量性状的QTL常集中在相同或相近的座位上。     

人工模拟荫湿环境对玉米自交系生长发育特性的影响

采用人工遮光增湿的方法,通过比较30个玉米自交系在荫湿环境和自然环境下生长发育特性的差异,研究了荫湿环境对玉米自交系生长发育特性的影响。结果表明,本研究设置的遮光增湿环境明显增加了环境湿度,极显著降低了光照强度和光量子,而不影响环境温度;荫湿环境导致玉米自交系有效功能叶数和雄穗分枝数减少,株高、穗位高、百粒重和单株粒重降低,茎秆和果穗变细,穗长变短,行粒数减少,而第7叶长、第7叶长宽比和纹枯病指数增大,ASI延长,与自然环境下这些性状的表现差异均极显著,且基因型间存在极显著差异。主成分分析结果表明,前7个综合指标的累计贡献率达85.08%,根据主成分分析和隶属函数分析获得的各自交系的综合评价值(D)可将30个自交系分为耐荫湿性强、耐荫湿性中和耐荫湿性弱3个类型。逐步回归分析结果表明,对综合评价值D影响显著的性状指标是第7叶长、雄穗分枝数和单株粒重,回归方程的R = 0.896,达极显著,预示可根据这些性状受荫湿环境影响程度进行耐荫湿性玉米育种材料的鉴定与筛选。     

Heterotic affinity and combining ability of exotic maize inbred lines for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation

Aflatoxin accumulation in maize (Zea mays L.) kernels is a serious economic and health problem that reduces grain quality and nutritional values and causes death to livestock and humans. Understanding the genetic parameters and heterotic responses of exotic maize inbred lines can facilitate their use for developing aflatoxin resistant parents of hybrids in Africa. This study was designed to (1) determine the heterotic affinities of aflatoxin resistant exotic lines, (2) identify exotic inbreds with good combining ability, and (3) determine the mode of inheritance of resistance to aflatoxin contamination in these lines. A line?×?tester mating design was used to determine combining ability of 12 yellow and 13 white inbreds and classify them into heterotic groups. The inbreds were crossed to two adapted testers representing two African heterotic groups and the resulting testcrosses along with hybrid checks were evaluated in separate trials at two locations for 2 years in Nigeria. General combining ability (GCA) effects were more important than specific combining ability effects for aflatoxin and grain yield. Among 15 exotic inbred lines having negative GCA effects for aflatoxin and 13 with positive GCA effects for grain yield, six combined the two desired traits. Five white and six yellow endosperm testcrosses were found to be good specific combiners for the two desired traits. The exotic lines with negative GCA effects for aflatoxin accumulation will be used as donor parents to develop backcross populations for generating new inbred lines with much higher levels of resistance to aflatoxin accumulation.     

Genetics of resistance to kernel infection by Aspergillus flavus in maize *

Although kernel infection by Aspergillus flavus Link ex Fries and subsequent pre-harvest aflatoxin contamination of maize (Zea mays L.) grain are major production problems in the south-eastern United States and elsewhere in the world, limited progress has been made in developing and identifying sources for resistance. Genetics of kernel infection by A. flavus remains poorly understood. A 10-parent diallel experiment was conducted in 1992 and 1994 to study the genetic nature of percentage kernel infection (PKI) by A. flavus. General combining ability (GCA), specific combining ability (SCA), and reciprocal mean squares for PKI were significant. The GCA and SCA sums of squares were about equal. The GCA, SCA, and reciprocal effects varied across years, which implied that percentage kernel infection was greatly influenced by environments. The percentage kernel infection was always greater when Mo 17 was the male parent in a cross than when it was the female parent. The percentage kernel infection mean for female Mo 17 was 38.5% lower than that for male Mol7. Similarly, percentage kernel infection mean for female L668 was 23.7% lower than that for male L668. The use of inbred lines L729 and B73 as female parents should be avoided, as they showed significant, positive maternal reciprocal effects.     

Determining resistance to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Fusarium verticillioides</Emphasis> and fumonisin accumulation in African maize inbred lines resistant to <Emphasis Type="Italic">Aspergillus flavus</Emphasis> and aflatoxins

Fusarium verticillioides and Aspergillus flavus cause Fusarium ear rot (FER) and Aspergillus ear rot (AER) of maize, respectively. Both pathogens are of concern to producers as they reduce grain yield and affect quality. F. verticillioides and A. flavus also contaminate maize grain with the mycotoxins fumonisins and aflatoxins, respectively, which has been associated with mycotoxicosis in humans and animals. The occurrence of common resistance mechanisms to FER and AER has been reported. Hence, ten Kenyan inbred lines resistant to AER and aflatoxin accumulation were evaluated for resistance to FER, F. verticillioides colonisation and fumonisin accumulation; and compared to nine South African lines resistant to FER and fumonisin accumulation. Field trials were conducted at three localities in South Africa and two localities in Kenya. FER severity was determined by visual assessment, while F. verticillioides colonisation and fumonisin content were quantified by real-time PCR and liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry, respectively. Significant genotype x environment interactions was determined at each location (P ≤ 0.05). Kenyan inbred CML495 was most resistant to FER and F. verticillioides colonisation, and accumulated the lowest concentration of fumonisins across localities. It was, however, not significantly more resistant than Kenyan lines CML264 and CKL05015, and the South African line RO549 W, which also exhibited low FER severity (≤5%), fungal target DNA (≤0.025 ng μL^?1) and fumonisin levels (≤2.5 mg kg^?1). Inbred lines resistant to AER and aflatoxin accumulation appear to be promising sources of resistance to F. verticillioides and fumonisin contamination.     

Quantitative trait loci mapping of maize (Zea mays) ear traits under low-phosphorus stress

We constructed an F_2:3 population of 180 individuals from a cross between the maize genotypes 082 (high phosphorus use efficiency) and Ye107 (low phosphorus use efficiency). We used the population to perform quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping for eight ear traits (ear diameter [ED], ear length [EL], ear weight [EW], ear kernel weight [EKW], row number per ear [ERN], bald tip length [BTL], kernel number per row [RKN] and number of seeds per plant [NSP]) in three low-phosphorus environments. A total of 36 QTL for ear traits were detected in at least one of three single environments and were located on all maize chromosomes except for chromosome 10; the explained phenotypic variation ranged from 5.91% to 12.80%. The QTL JAqEKW5-1, JAqEL3-1, JAqEW1-1, JAqBTL1-1 and JAqNSP5-2 were identified and stably expressed in single-environment and joint-environment analyses. Some novel QTL that have not been reported previously were also detected. Most of the identified QTL had stable effects in all low-phosphorus environments, suggesting that they may be useful for molecular breeding to develop low-phosphorus tolerant maize varieties.     

Development of a gene-based marker correlated to reduced aflatoxin accumulation in maize

Aflatoxins are carcinogenic and toxic metabolites produced by the fungus Aspergillus flavus during infection of maize (Zea mays L.) and other seed oil crops. Climatic conditions in the southeastern United States favor A. flavus infection and aflatoxin contamination in maize, making it a major issue for farmers in the region. One of the most promising avenues to combat aflatoxin contamination is the development of resistant maize lines. However, this has proven difficult due to a lack of reliable markers for resistance. Previous studies have identified candidate genes that were differentially expressed in response to A. flavus infection. One gene, encoding a chloroplast precursor, was found to contain multiple polymorphisms that were used to design a marker designated Mississippi Marker 1 (MpM1). The marker differentiates between the “resistance” and “susceptible” forms of the allele. This marker was used to screen three populations of F_2:3 mapping families, where it was found to map to chromosome 4 and was associated with a significant effect for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in the Mp313E × B73 mapping population. Furthermore, the marker MpM1 identified a previously unknown quantitative trait loci for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation on maize chromosome 4. MpM1 is the first gene-based marker developed specifically for resistance to aflatoxin accumulation in maize and can now be integrated into existing marker assisted selection programs aimed at incorporating resistance into elite maize breeding lines.     

陕西省不同年代玉米品种产量和氮效率性状的变化

明确陕西省不同年代玉米产量和氮效率性状响应氮肥的变化趋势,对西北旱区玉米高产氮高效品种选育具有重要的实践意义。本文以1981—2010年间陕西省12个玉米主栽品种为材料,于2011年和2012年在典型旱区陕西长武进行3个氮水平(0、120和240 kg hm–2)的田间试验,分析了不同年代玉米品种农艺和氮效率性状变化趋势。结果显示,不同年代玉米品种籽粒产量随氮水平增加而提高,在施氮0、120和240 kg hm–2处理下籽粒产量增益分别为每年46、65和83 kg hm–2。所有氮水平下2000—2010年间品种产量和生物量显著高于1980—1989年间品种,而秸秆产量变化不明显;现代玉米品种(2000—2010年)产量的增加归因于穗粒数、千粒重和生物量的提高。不同年代玉米品种消光系数随氮水平增加而降低,说明现代玉米品种(2000—2010年)较老品种(1980—1989年)叶片直立,截获更多的光能,致使产量和生物量高。随着年代的递进,玉米品种氮肥农学利用率呈递增趋势,在低氮水平下现代品种氮肥利用效率最高,且显著高于老品种。氮肥农学利用率与氮吸收效率(NUpE)和花后氮素积累量呈显著相关(r=0.75;r=0.72),而与氮生理效率(NUtE)和花前氮素积累量相关性不显著(r=0.42;r=0.39)。说明现代玉米品种氮肥农学利用率提高主要来自氮肥吸收效率和花后氮素积累量的增加。上述结果表明,陕西玉米育种应注重穗粒数、千粒重、氮吸收效率性状和株型结构改良,低氮环境压力选择将有助于旱区玉米高产氮高效新品种培育。     

玉米果穗不同部位籽粒激素含量及其与胚乳发育和籽粒灌浆的关系

以玉米品种登海11为材料, 分别进行大田和温室试验, 观察灌浆期果穗不同部位籽粒玉米素(Z)+玉米素核苷(ZR)、吲哚-3-乙酸(IAA)、脱落酸(ABA)和赤霉素(GA₃)含量变化及其与胚乳发育和籽粒灌浆的关系。结果显示, 籽粒最大胚乳细胞数目、最大胚乳细胞增殖速率及平均速率、最大灌浆速率、平均灌浆速率和百粒重表现为果穗下部籽粒>中部籽粒>上部籽粒。在胚乳细胞活跃增殖期或活跃灌浆期, 籽粒Z+ZR、IAA和ABA含量以果穗下部籽粒最高, 中部籽粒其次, 上部籽粒最低。GA₃含量则为果穗上部籽粒>中部籽粒>下部籽粒。两个试验的结果趋势一致。胚乳细胞增殖速率和籽粒灌浆速率与籽粒Z+ZR、IAA和ABA含量呈极显著正相关, 与籽粒GA₃含量呈显著负相关。说明玉米果穗上部籽粒轻主要是由于这些籽粒的胚乳细胞增殖速率小, 导致其胚乳细胞数少, 这与其灌浆期较低的Z+ZR、IAA和ABA含量及较高的GA₃含量有密切关系。     

Identification of QTL for zinc and iron concentration in maize kernel and cob

To provide theoretical and applied references for biofortification of maize by increasing Zn and Fe concentration, the correlation and quantitative trait loci (QTL) of four mineral-related traits, i.e. zinc concentration of kernel (ZnK), zinc concentration of cob (ZnC), iron concentration of kernel (FeK) and iron concentration of cob (FeC) were studied for two sets of F_2:3 populations derived from the crosses Mu6 × SDM (MuS) and Mo17 × SDM (MoS) under two different environments (CQ and YN). The parental lines were very different in Zn and Fe concentration of kernels and cobs. A large genetic variation and transgressive segregation of two F_2:3 populations were observed for the four traits. The heritability of FeK was relatively lower (<0.6) than other three traits (>0.7). Analysis for each environment and joint analysis across two environments were used to identify QTL for each population. 16 and 15 QTL were identified in CQ and YN respectively via single environment analysis, some of which were identical in different environments and were also detected in joint analysis. The common regions for same trait at different environments were 3 and 5 in MuS and MoS respectively. Compared with the IBM2 2008 Neighbors Frame6, the distribution and effect of some QTL in two populations were highly consistent and many QTL on chromosome 2, 7 and 9 were detected in both populations. Moreover, several mineral QTL co-localized with each other for both populations such as the QTL for ZnK, ZnC, FeK and FeC on chromosome 2, QTL for Znk, FeK and FeC on chromosome 9 and QTL for ZnK and ZnC on chromosome 7, which probably were closely linked to each other, or were the same pleiotropic QTL.     

30%胺鲜酯-乙利水剂对玉米杂交种主要农艺性状的影响

在75000株/hm2的种植密度下,研究了玉米专用增效剂对玉米杂交种主要农艺性状的影响。结果表明:不同剂量的玉米增效剂对玉米杂交种农艺性状的影响存在明显差异;合理使用增效剂可以降低玉米杂交种株高、穗位高、倒伏率、空秆率、秃尖长,增加茎粗和千粒重,稳定穗长、穗粗、行数、行粒数、出籽率,提高玉米籽粒产量。玉米杂交种洛玉5号的适宜施用浓度为150～200mL/hm2。     

Differences in reciprocal crosses of maize inbred lines diverse for protein content

Summary Forty-two crosses and their reciprocals in maize (Zea mays L.) involving inbred lines highly diverse for protein content were evaluated in four environments. Data were recorded on crude protein content of grain, protein yield, grain yield, 1000 kernel weight, dry matter content of ear at harves,, days to 50% slking, plant height, ear height, and early vigor. No significant variation due to reciprocal differences was observed for protein content and early vigor. For all other traits the variance component due to reciprocal x environment interactions was significant while the variance component due to reciprocal differences was significant only for kernel weight, dry matter content of ear, plant height, and ear height. The variance components due to nuclear differences and their interactions with environments were always highly significant and larger than the components due to reciprocal differences and reciprocal x environment interactions. The instability and low magnitude of reciprocal differences indicated that it might be difficult to exploit them commercially. However, seeing the presence of reciprocal differences for most of the traits studied, the evaluation of breeding materials for these differences seems to be important.The research work was supported by the Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft, Sonderforschungsbereich 142.     

春玉米农艺性状及养分积累动态对水溶肥管理的响应

探索东北半干旱区春玉米的最佳水溶肥管理措施是实现节肥增产的有效途径。试验在覆膜滴灌大田条件下,以‘迪卡159’为试验对象,研究吉林省西部半干旱区春玉米农艺性状及养分积累动态对水溶肥管理的响应。相关性和通径分析表明,产量(Y)与各农艺性状的相关关系由强到弱依次为行粒数(X₄)>穗粗(X₁)>穗行数(X₃)>穗长(X₂)>百粒重(X₅)。产量与穗行数和行粒数的最优回归方程为Y=-14878.79+465.886X₄+855.646X₃(R²=0.863,F=18.92)。同时,氮、磷、钾肥均追施4次不仅有利于春玉米穗粗、穗长、穗行数、行粒数和百粒重的增加,还能促进出苗63天后氮、磷、钾养分的积累与分配。在水溶肥用量与施肥方式相同的基础上,分次追施氮、磷、钾肥对春玉米产量的提高至关重要。     

Identification of genetic factors affecting plant density response through QTL mapping of yield component traits in maize (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Zea mays</Emphasis> L.)

It is generally believed that grain yield per unit area of modern maize hybrids is related to their adaptability to high plant population density. In this study, the effects of two different plant densities (52,500 and 90,000 plants/hm²) on 12 traits associated with yield were evaluated using a set of 231 F_2:3 families derived from two elite inbred lines, Zheng58 and Chang7-2. Evaluation of the phenotypes expressed under the two plant density conditions showed that high plant density condition could decrease the value of 10 measured yield component traits, while the final grain yield per hectare and the rate of kernel production were increased. Twenty-seven quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for 10 traits were detected in both high and low plant density conditions; among them, some QTLs were shown to locate in five clusters. Thirty QTLs were only detected under high plant density. These results suggest that some of the yield component traits perhaps were controlled by a common set of genes, and that kernel number per row, ear length, row number per ear, cob diameter, cob weight, and ear diameter may be influenced by additional genetic mechanisms when grown under high plant density. The QTLs identified in this study provide useful information for marker-assisted selection of varieties targeting increased plant density.     

Logistic model-based genetic analysis for kernel filling in a maize RIL population

Kernel filling is an important factor that directly affects kernel yield in maize. Based on a Logistic model, the process of kernel filling in maize can be effectively fitted, and the characteristic parameters with biological significance can be estimated. To clarify the genetic mechanism of characteristic parameters of kernel filling in maize, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population including 208 lines derived from the maize inbred lines DH1M and T877 were evaluated in Nantong in 2015 and in Yangzhou in 2016, respectively. The kernel dry weights of recombinant inbred lines were measured 10, 15, 20, 25, 30, 35, 40, 43, 46, 49, 52, 55, 58 and 61 days after pollination (DAP). A total of 12 characteristic parameters related to kernel filling were estimated in different environments using the Logistic model. These parameters showed abundant phenotypic variation across two environments in the recombinant inbred line population. Some more ideal genotypes were selected through clustering based on BLUP values of characteristic parameters. Genetic analysis indicated that the 12 characteristic parameters conformed to the “major gene plus polygenes” model. The results of two environments were reproduced well. Most of the characteristic parameters related to kernel filling were controlled by two major genes, and a few characteristic parameters were controlled by three or four major genes. In addition, the genetic models of some characteristic parameters differed in the two environments due to interactions between the genes and environments. This study not only laid a foundation for further clarifying the genetic mechanism of maize kernel filling and mapping the related genes but also suggests a new paradigm for dynamic developing traits.