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

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 mapping 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.