Confirmation of a major QTL on chromosome 10 for maize kernel row number in different environments

Maize kernel row number (KRN) is an important agronomic trait. In this study, 13 quantitative trait loci (QTL) for maize KRN were identified in different environments using F_2:3 and F_2:4 populations developed from two inbred lines. These QTL are distributed on chromosomes 2,3,5,8 and 10, and the genic effects are additive or partially dominant. Using the BC₃F_2:3 populations developed from the same parental lines, QTL of KRN located on chromosomes 5 and 10 were also identified in two environments. Three BC₅F_2:3 populations were used to confirm the major QTL for KRN between ssr1430 and umc1077 on chromosome 10(qKRN10). This result will facilitate the fine mapping and map‐based cloning of this major QTL in the future.