Genetic basis of maize kernel starch content revealed by high-density single nucleotide polymorphism markers in a recombinant inbred line population

Abstract

BackgroundStarch from maize kernels has diverse applications in human and animal diets and in industry and manufacturing. To meet the demands of these applications, starch quantity and quality need improvement, which requires a clear understanding of the functional mechanisms involved in starch biosynthesis and accumulation. In this study, a recombinant inbred line (RIL) population was developed from a cross between inbred lines CI7 and K22. The RIL population, along with both parents, was grown in three environments, and then genotyped using the MaizeSNP50 BeadChip and phenotyped to dissect the genetic architecture of starch content in maize kernels.ResultsBased on the genetic linkage map constructed using 2,386 bins as markers, six quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for starch content in maize kernels were detected in the CI7/K22 RIL population. Each QTL accounted for 4.7 % (qSTA9-1) to 10.6 % (qSTA4-1) of the starch variation. The QTL interval was further reduced using the bin-map method, with the physical distance of a single bin at the QTL peak ranging from 81.7 kb to 2.2 Mb. Based on the functional annotations and prior knowledge of the genes in the top bin, seven genes were considered as potential candidate genes for the identified QTLs. Three of the genes encode enzymes in non-starch metabolism but may indirectly affect starch biosynthesis, and four genes may act as regulators of starch biosynthesis.ConclusionsA few large-effect QTLs, together with a certain number of minor-effect QTLs, mainly contribute to the genetic architecture of kernel starch content in our maize biparental linkage population. All of the identified QTLs, especially the large-effect QTL, qSTA4-1, with a small QTL interval, will be useful for improving the maize kernel starch content through molecular breeding.Electronic supplementary materialThe online version of this article (doi:10.1186/s12870-015-0675-2) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Brosimum Alicastrum as a Novel Starch Source for Bioethanol Production

“…The starch content is similar to the main sources of starch used for biofuels, including cereals (60-80% starch), legumes (25-50% starch), tubers and roots (60-90% starch), and green and immature fruits (as much as 70% starch) [16,17]. The main crops used are sorghum, wheat, cassava, potatoes, and sweet potatoes [16,18,19], in addition to maize, which is the most widely-used starch Energies 2017, 10, 1574 4 of 10 crop for bioethanol production and has a starch content ranging from 60 to 85% depending on the variety [20][21][22].…”

OS1 functions in the allocation of nutrients between the endosperm and embryo in maize seeds

“…For crude protein and amino acid measurements, the total protein (crude protein) was extracted from kernel, embryo and endosperm, hydrolyzed into amino acids and then used for subsequent analysis by liquid phase chromatography. Measurement of carbohydrate in endosperm was as previously described (Wang et al ). Measurement of lipids in the kernel was performed, as previously described (Li et al ).…”

Stability Analysis of Kernel Quality Traits in Exotic‐Derived Doubled Haploid Maize Lines

“…Oil, starch, and protein content directly affect the quality of food and feed (Baker et al, 1969; Lewis et al, 1982; Worral et al, 2015). Maize is also a popular fuel source, as its starch content has become important in the production of ethanol, potentially creating bottlenecks in the stable supply of sufficient maize for food, feed, and fuel (Ray et al, 2013; Wang et al, 2015). Balancing maize kernel composition for both food and fuel use is an even greater challenge, as altering kernel composition greatly impacts yield (Bjarnason and Vasal, 1992; Worral et al, 2015).…”

“…Shrunken1 , shrunken2 , brittle2 , waxy1 , sugary2 , dull1 , amylose extender1 , and sugary1 (Hennen‐Bierwagen and Myers, 2013; Huang et al, 2014; Klösgen et al, 1986) are a few of the known genes involved in starch biosynthesis. However, little is known about the connections of these genes in the regulation of starch biosynthesis and starch accumulation in maize (Wang et al, 2015). Many QTL studies have been conducted to further explain the connections of known maize starch genes to their actual roles in starch biosynthesis in the maize kernel (Cook et al, 2012; Dudley et al, 2007, 2004; Goldman et al, 1993; Guo et al, 2013) with few causative genetic factors having been found (Wang et al, 2015).…”

“…However, little is known about the connections of these genes in the regulation of starch biosynthesis and starch accumulation in maize (Wang et al, 2015). Many QTL studies have been conducted to further explain the connections of known maize starch genes to their actual roles in starch biosynthesis in the maize kernel (Cook et al, 2012; Dudley et al, 2007, 2004; Goldman et al, 1993; Guo et al, 2013) with few causative genetic factors having been found (Wang et al, 2015). Wang et al (2015) found large‐effect QTLs in a biparental mapping population.…”