Genetic analysis of tolerance to low-phosphorus stress in maize using restriction fragment length polymorphisms.

An understanding of the genetic nature underlying tolerance to low-phosphorus (low-P) stress could aid in the efficient development of tolerant plant strains. The objective of this study was to identify the number of loci in a maize (Zea mays L.) population segregating for tolerance to low-P stress, their approximate location, and the magnitude of their effect.Seventy-seven restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were identified and scored in a maize F2 population derived from a cross between line NY821 and line H99. The F2 individuals were self-pollinated to produce F3 families. Ninety F3 families were grown in a sand-alumina system, which simulated diffusion-limited, low-P soil conditions. The F3 families were evaluated for vegetative growth in a controlled-environment experiment. To identify quantitative trait loci (QTLs) underlying tolerance to low-P stress, the mean phenotypic performances of the F3 families were contrasted based on genotypic classification at each of 77 RFLP marker loci.Six RFLP marker loci were significantly associated with performance under low-P stress (P<0.01). One marker locus accounted for 25% of the total phenotypic variation. Additive gene action was predominant for all of the QTLs identified. Significant marker loci were located on four separate chromosomes representing five unlinked genomic regions. Two marker loci were associated with an additive by additive epistatic interaction. A multiple regression model including three marker loci and the significant epistatic interaction accounted for 46% of the total phenotypic variation. Heterozygosity per se was not predictive of phenotypic performance.