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Characterization of sub-tropical maize (Zea Mays L.) inbred lines for the variation in kernel row numbers (KRNs)

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Abstract

Genetic dissection of high kernel row numbers (KRNs) trait and cob length has been undertaken by several researchers resulting in identification of loci controlling the traits. Further fine map** of QTLs controlling KRN and cob length and TILLING strategies identified the underlying genes. All these studies are used temperate maize genotypes which are of limited use to researcher in sub-tropical region and the sub-tropical maize production systems. Present investigation explores the availability of genetic regions responsible for KRN in sub-tropical maize germplasm. A total of 280 sub-tropical maize germplasm were analyzed for their KRN variation and selected 45 stable lines were subjected to molecular characterization using genes linked to KRN in maize. Diversity analysis was also performed to understand the possible association of character with the KRN gene in deciding its variation in the given population. It was revealed that four genes showed highest probability of influencing KRN traits in these tropical maize inbred lines. The remaining genes not establishing specific pattern of association with high and low KRN genotypes may need further study on its allelic variation.

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Acknowledgements

This study is the output of an external project funded by DST-SERB, New Delhi. Authors are thankful for the financial support by the DST, New Delhi

Funding

This study was funded by DST-SERB, New Delhi, India, with the Grant No. EEQ/2016/000447. This grant was received by author1.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi, 110012, India

    Ganapati Mukri, R. N. Gadag, Jayant S. Bhat, T. Nepolean, Shikha Mittal, M. L. Nithyashree & Digvender Pal

  2. National Institute for Plant Biotechnology, New Delhi, 110012, India

    Navin C. Gupta

  3. Indian Institute of Millet Research, Hyderabad, 500030, India

    T. Nepolean

  4. Indian Institute of Maize Research, Punjab, 141001, India

    Ramesh Kumar

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  1. Ganapati Mukri
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  2. R. N. Gadag
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Correspondence to Ganapati Mukri.

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This article does not contain any studies with human participants or animals performed by any of the authors. Hence, it does not require any ethical approval.

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Communicated by Ahmad Mohammad Alqudah.

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Mukri, G., Gadag, R.N., Bhat, J.S. et al. Characterization of sub-tropical maize (Zea Mays L.) inbred lines for the variation in kernel row numbers (KRNs). CEREAL RESEARCH COMMUNICATIONS 52, 277–285 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s42976-023-00386-2

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