Mapping quantitative trait loci and predicting candidate genes for leaf angle in maize

Leaf angle of maize is a fundamental determinant of plant architecture and an important trait influencing photosynthetic efficiency and crop yields. To broaden our understanding of the genetic mechanisms of leaf angle formation, we constructed an F3:4 recombinant inbred lines (RIL) population derived from a cross between a model inbred line (B73) with expanded leaf architecture and an elite inbred line (Zheng58) with compact leaf architecture to map QTL for leaf angle. A sum of 8 QTL were detected on chromosome 1, 2, 3, 4 and 8. Single QTL explained 4.3 to 14.2% of the leaf angle variance. Additionally, some important QTL were confirmed through a heterogeneous inbred family(HIF) approach. Furthermore, twenty-four candidate genes for leaf angle were predicted through whole-genome resequencing and expression analysis in qLA02-01and qLA08-01 regions. These results will be helpful to elucidate the genetic mechanism of leaf angle formation in maize and benefit to clone the favorable allele for leaf angle or develop the novel maize varieties with ideal plant architecture through marker-assisted selection.