Application of molecular markers in bulk segragant analysis of yield in maize (Zea mays L) synthetic populations

Chromosome regions which carry potential QTLs for high grain yield in two synthetic maize populations - B73xMol7 and LlxMol7, were identified by bulk segregant analysis (BSA). Yield was evaluated on F2 testcross families in field trials using a Nested design. Based on yield data, p3 families with the corresponding highest and lowest testcross yields were selected for BSA. Genome analysis of F3 families was carried out with 58 RFLP markers. Allele frequency differences were detected at four RFLP loci n chromosomes 1, 2, 6 and 10 (B73xMol7), i.e. four RFLP loci on chromosomes 1, 2, 6 and 9 (LlxMo17). Only one region, at chromosome 6, was identified in both populations, but with two different RFLP markers. In B73xMol7 it was umc65 and in LlxMol7 umc2l RFLP marker. Bulk segregant analysis was shown to be a quick and informative method for identification of chromosome regions which determine high yield expression in maize, i.e. for identification of RFLP markers closely linked to potential genes involved in expression of the trait.