Molecular marker-facilitated studies in an elite maize population: I. Linkage analysis and determination of QTL for morphological traits.

Restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) and one morphological marker were used to investigate quantitative trait loci (QTL) for morphological and physiological traits evaluated on 150 F2∶3 maize (Zea mays L.) lines derived from the cross of elite U.S. Corn Belt inbreds Mo17 and H99. F2∶3 lines were grown in a replicated experiment and evaluated for plant and ear heights and flowering traits. QTL were identified for each trait, and genetic effects were determined. Estimated gene action for the flowering traits was predominantly overdominance. Both parents contributed toward increased values for anthesis and silk emergence. QTL for increased plant and ear heights were usually contributed by the taller parent, Mo17. Estimated gene action for these traits was mainly partial to overdominance. QTL for plant height were located in the vicinity of loci defined by alleles with qualitative effects on plant height.