Detection of QTLs linked to water stress tolerance

We aimed to identify the QTLs controlling morphological, physiological and yield traits in recombinant lines derived from a cross between two pure lines: EP42 (European Flint) and A637 (Corn Belt Dent) under water stress. 11 QTLs were identified, including 5 QTLs under normal conditions and 6 QTLs under water stress. A single QTL was detected for leaf area and number of rows, representing around 6% of the phenotypic variation on chromosome 8 and 4 respectively. One QTL was identified for yield which explained 5% of the phenotypic variation on chromosome 8, two QTLs for ear length which explained around 10% of the phenotypic variation. While under water stress conditions, two QTLs were found for plant height and ear length which interpreted around 17% of the phenotypic variation on chromosomes: 1, 2, 3, 10. A single QTL was detected for leaf curl and male flowering on chromosomes: 4, 8 and explained 7% and 12% of the phenotypic variation respectively.