Free Standard AU & NZ Shipping For All Book Orders Over $80!
Register      Login
Crop and Pasture Science Crop and Pasture Science Society
Plant sciences, sustainable farming systems and food quality
RESEARCH ARTICLE

Potential use of random and linked SSR markers in establishing the true heterotic pattern in maize (Zea mays)

Sumit Kumar A # , Abhijit Kumar Das https://orcid.org/0000-0002-5816-2470 A # * , Ritu Naliath A , Ramesh Kumar A , Chikkappa G. Karjagi B , Javaji C. Sekhar C , Mukesh Vayas D , K. R. Yathish C , Alla Singh A , Ganapati Mukri E and Sujay Rakshit A
+ Author Affiliations
- Author Affiliations

A ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Ludhiana, Punjab, India.

B Delhi Unit, ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Pusa Campus, New Delhi, India.

C Winter Nursery Centre (WNC), ICAR-Indian Institute of Maize Research (IIMR), Hyderabad, India.

D Maharana Pratap University of Agriculture and Technology (MPUA&T), Udaipur, Rajasthan, India.

E ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute (IARI), New Delhi, India.

* Correspondence to: das.myself@gmail.com
# These authors contributed equally to this paper

Handling Editor: Zed Rengel

Crop & Pasture Science 73(12) 1345-1353 https://doi.org/10.1071/CP21376
Submitted: 2 June 2021  Accepted: 18 May 2022   Published: 1 July 2022

© 2022 The Author(s) (or their employer(s)). Published by CSIRO Publishing

Abstract

Context: Establishment of true heterotic pattern in maize germplasm can increase the efficiency of hybrid breeding. Heterosis is dependent on the genetic diversity of parents and the extent of dominance at different loci. Estimation of genetic diversity through use of molecular markers is routine practice in maize breeding.

Aims: The present study was designed to test whether simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers linked to yield-contributing traits are more reliable for heterotic grouping than random SSRs.

Methods: Diallel crosses developed among 19 inbred lines were evaluated at multi-locations. The genotypes were also grouped using polymorphic random (50) and linked (47) SSRs.

Key results: The crosses generated with lines belonging to different heterotic groups of linked SSR markers did not reveal any superiority over the crosses of the diallel set. By contrast, mean performance of inter-heterotic group crosses generated on the basis of random markers was superior to that of intra-heterotic crosses. Specific combining ability effects did not reveal any significant association with genetic distance of random or linked markers.

Conclusions: The lack of improved efficiency of linked markers over random markers can be attributed to factors including the quantitative nature of the trait, genotype × environment interactions, genetic background of germplasm in which the markers are expressed, and multiple alleles.

Implications: Markers linked to yield-contributing traits are no more reliable for heterotic grouping than random markers.

Keywords: BLUP, diallel cross, heterotic grouping, linked SSR, maize, random SSR, SCA, yield.


References

Baer OT, Laude TP, Reano CE, Gregorio GB, Diaz MGQ, Pabro LJA, Tamba L, Baltazar N, Fabreag MER, Pocsedio AE, Kumar AG (2021) Diplodia ear rot resistance QTL identified in maize (Zea mays L.) using multi-parent double-haploid population mapping. SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics 53, 112–125.

Barata C, Carena MJ (2006) Classification of North Dakota maize inbred lines into heterotic groups based on molecular and testcross data. Euphytica 151, 339–349.
Classification of North Dakota maize inbred lines into heterotic groups based on molecular and testcross data.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Benchimol LL, de Souza CL, Garcia AAF, Kono PMS, Mangolin CA, Barbosa AM, Coelho ASG, de Souza AP (2000) Genetic diversity in tropical maize inbred lines: heterotic group assignment and hybrid performance determined by RFLP markers. Plant Breeding 119, 491–496.
Genetic diversity in tropical maize inbred lines: heterotic group assignment and hybrid performance determined by RFLP markers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Bernardo R (1992) Relationship between single-cross performance and molecular marker heterozygosity. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 83, 628–634.
Relationship between single-cross performance and molecular marker heterozygosity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 24202681PubMed |

Bernardo R (2001) Breeding potential of intra- and interheterotic group crosses in maize. Crop Science 41, 68–71.
Breeding potential of intra- and interheterotic group crosses in maize.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Boonlertnirun K, Srinives P, Sarithniran P, Jompuk C (2012) Genetic distance and heterotic pattern among single cross hybrids within waxy maize (Zea mays L.). SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics 44, 382–397.

Chakraborti M, Prasanna BM, Hossain F, Mazumdar S, Singh AM, Guleria S, Gupta HS (2011) Identification of kernel iron- and zinc-rich maize inbreds and analysis of genetic diversity using microsatellite markers. Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology 20, 224–233.
Identification of kernel iron- and zinc-rich maize inbreds and analysis of genetic diversity using microsatellite markers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Choudhary M, Hossain F, Muthusamy V, Thirunavukkarasu N, Saha S, Pandey N, Jha SK, Gupta HS (2016) Microsatellite marker-based genetic diversity analyses of novel maize inbreds possessing rare allele of β-carotene hydroxylase (crtRB1) for their utilization in β-carotene enrichment. Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology 25, 12–20.
Microsatellite marker-based genetic diversity analyses of novel maize inbreds possessing rare allele of β-carotene hydroxylase (crtRB1) for their utilization in β-carotene enrichment.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Das AK, Jaiswal SK, Muthusamy V, Zunjare RU, Chauhan HS, Chand G, Saha S, Hossain F (2019) Molecular diversity and genetic variability of kernel tocopherols among maize inbreds possessing favourable haplotypes of γ-tocopherol methyl transferase (ZmVTE4). Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology 28, 253–262.
Molecular diversity and genetic variability of kernel tocopherols among maize inbreds possessing favourable haplotypes of γ-tocopherol methyl transferase (ZmVTE4).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Das AK, Choudhary M, Kumar P, Karjagi CG, KR Y, Kumar R, Singh A, Kumar S, Rakshit S (2021) Heterosis in genomic era: advances in the molecular understanding and techniques for rapid exploitation. Critical Reviews in Plant Sciences 40, 218–242.
Heterosis in genomic era: advances in the molecular understanding and techniques for rapid exploitation.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Falconer DS (1996) ‘Introduction to quantitative genetics.’ (Pearson Education India: Noida, UP, India)

Fan XM, Chen HM, Tan J, Yang JY (2003) Heterotic grouping for tropical and temperate maize inbreds by analyzing combining ability and SSR. Maydica 48, 251–257.

Francisco R, Alvarado A, Ángela P, Crossa J, Juan B (2015) AGD-R (Analysis of Genetic Designs with R for Windows) Version 5.0. CIMMYT Research Data & Software Repository Network, V14. CIMMYT, El Batán, Mexico. Available at https://hdl.handle.net/11529/10202

Kalapakdee W, Dermail A, Lertrat K, Sanitchon J, Chankaewi S, Lomthaisong K, Surihari B (2020) Testcross performance for anthocyanin and antioxidant activity in the ear components of purple waxy corn lines. SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics 52, 158–176.

Kumar R, Singode A, Chikkappa GK, Mukri G, Dubey RB, Komboj MC, Singh HC, Olakh DS, Ahmad B, Krishna M, Zaidi PH, Debnath MK, Seetharama K, Yadav OP (2014) Assessment of genotype × environment interactions for grain yield in maize hybrids in rainfed environments. SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics 46, 284–292.

Kwon SJ, Ha WG, Hwang HG, Yang SJ, Choi HC, Moon HP, Ahn SN (2002) Relationship between heterosis and genetic divergence in ‘Tongil’-type rice. Plant Breeding 121, 487–492.
Relationship between heterosis and genetic divergence in ‘Tongil’-type rice.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Legesse BW, Myburg AA, Pixley KV, Botha AM (2007) Genetic diversity of African maize inbred lines revealed by SSR markers. Hereditas 144, 10–17.
Genetic diversity of African maize inbred lines revealed by SSR markers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17567435PubMed |

Leng Y, Lv C, Li L, Xiang Y, Xia C, Wei R, Rong T, Lan H (2019) Heterotic grouping based on genetic variation and population structure of maize inbred lines from current breeding program in Sichuan province, Southwest China using genotyping by sequencing (GBS). Molecular Breeding 39, 38
Heterotic grouping based on genetic variation and population structure of maize inbred lines from current breeding program in Sichuan province, Southwest China using genotyping by sequencing (GBS).Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li S, Jia J, Wei X, Zhang X, Li L, Chen H, Fan Y, Sun H, Zhao X, Lei T, Xu Y, Jiang F, Wang H, Li L (2007) A intervarietal genetic map and QTL analysis for yield traits in wheat. Molecular Breeding 20, 167–178.
A intervarietal genetic map and QTL analysis for yield traits in wheat.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Li C, Li Y, Sun B, Peng B, Liu C, Liu Z, Yang Z, Li Q, Tan W, Zhang Y, Wang D, Shi Y, Song Y, Wang T, Li Y (2013) Quantitative trait loci mapping for yield components and kernel-related traits in multiple connected RIL populations in maize. Euphytica 193, 303–316.
Quantitative trait loci mapping for yield components and kernel-related traits in multiple connected RIL populations in maize.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Liu K, Muse SV (2005) PowerMarker: an integrated analysis environment for genetic marker analysis. Bioinformatics 21, 2128–2129.
PowerMarker: an integrated analysis environment for genetic marker analysis.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15705655PubMed |

Lima MLA, de Souza CL, Bento DAV, de Souza AP, Carlini-Garcia LA (2006) Mapping QTL for grain yield and plant traits in a tropical maize population. Molecular Breeding 17, 227–239.
Mapping QTL for grain yield and plant traits in a tropical maize population.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Ma Z, Zhao D, Zhang C, Zhang Z, Xue S, Lin F, Kong Z, Tian D, Luo Q (2007) Molecular genetic analysis of five spike-related traits in wheat using RIL and immortalized F2 populations. Molecular Genetics and Genomics 277, 31–42.
Molecular genetic analysis of five spike-related traits in wheat using RIL and immortalized F2 populations.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 17033810PubMed |

Martin JM, Talbert LE, Lanning SP, Blake NK (1995) Hybrid performance in wheat as related to parental diversity. Crop Science 35, 104–108.
Hybrid performance in wheat as related to parental diversity.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Mazhar MW, Ali Q, Ishtiaq M, Ghani A, Maqbool M, Hussain T, Mushtaq W (2021) Zinc-aspartate-mediated drought amelioration in maize promises better growth and agronomic parameters than zinc sulfate and L-aspartate. SABRAO Journal of Breeding and Genetics 53, 290–310.

Melchinger AE (1999) Genetic diversity and heterosis. In ‘Genetics and exploitation of heterosis in crops’. Vol. 1. (Eds JG Coors, S Pandey) pp. 99–118. (ASA, CSSA, SSSA: Madison, WI, USA)

Menkir A, Melake-Berhan A, The C, Ingelbrecht I, Adepoju A (2004) Grouping of tropical mid-altitude maize inbred lines on the basis of yield data and molecular markers. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 108, 1582–1590.
Grouping of tropical mid-altitude maize inbred lines on the basis of yield data and molecular markers.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 14985970PubMed |

Messmer R, Fracheboud Y, Bänziger M, Vargas M, Stamp P, Ribaut J-M (2009) Drought stress and tropical maize: QTL-by-environment interactions and stability of QTLs across environments for yield components and secondary traits. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 119, 913–930.
Drought stress and tropical maize: QTL-by-environment interactions and stability of QTLs across environments for yield components and secondary traits.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 19597726PubMed |

Millet EJ, Welcker C, Kruijer W, Negro S, Coupel-Ledru A, Nicolas SD, Laborde J, Bauland C, Praud S, Ranc N, Presterl T, Tuberosa R, Bedo Z, Draye X, Usadel B, Charcosset A, van Eeuwijk F, Tardieu F (2016) Genome-wide analysis of yield in Europe: allelic effects vary with drought and heat scenarios. Plant Physiology 172, 749–764.
Genome-wide analysis of yield in Europe: allelic effects vary with drought and heat scenarios.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 27436830PubMed |

Murray MG, Thompson WF (1980) Rapid isolation of high molecular weight plant DNA. Nucleic Acids Research 8, 4321–4326.
Rapid isolation of high molecular weight plant DNA.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 7433111PubMed |

Parentoni SN, Magalhães JV, Pacheco CAP, Santos MX, Abadie T, Gama EEG, Guimarães PEO, Meirelles WF, Lopes MA, Vasconcelos MJV, Paiva E (2001) Heterotic groups based on yield-specific combining ability data and phylogenetic relationship determined by RAPD markers for 28 tropical maize open pollinated varieties. Euphytica 121, 197–208.
Heterotic groups based on yield-specific combining ability data and phylogenetic relationship determined by RAPD markers for 28 tropical maize open pollinated varieties.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Perrier X, Flori A, Bonnot F (2003) Data analysis methods. In ‘Genetic diversity of cultivated tropical plants’. (Eds P Hamon, M Seguin, X Perrier, JC Glaszmann) pp. 43–76. (CRC Press: Boca Raton, FL, USA)

Rakshit S, Santosh HB, Sekhar JC, Nath R, Meena S, Chikappa KG, Gadag RN, Dass S (2011) Molecular basis of genetic diversity with respect to post-flowering stalk rot and pink borer in maize. Journal of Plant Biochemistry and Biotechnology 20, 173–181.

Reif JC, Melchinger AE, Xia XC, Warburton ML, Hoisington DA, Vasal SK, Beck D, Bohn M, Frisch M (2003) Use of SSRs for establishing heterotic groups in subtropical maize. Theoretical and Applied genetics 107, 947–957.
Use of SSRs for establishing heterotic groups in subtropical maize.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 12830388PubMed |

Riday H, Brummer EC, Campbell TA, Luth D, Cazcarro PM (2003) Comparisons of genetic and morphological distance with heterosis between Medicago sativa subsp. sativa and subsp. falcata. Euphytica 131, 37–45.
Comparisons of genetic and morphological distance with heterosis between Medicago sativa subsp. sativa and subsp. falcata.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Sant VJ, Patankar AG, Sarode ND, Mhase LB, Sainani MN, Deshmukh RB, Ranjekar PK, Gupta VS (1999) Potential of DNA markers in detecting divergence and in analysing heterosis in Indian elite chickpea cultivars. Theoretical and Applied Genetics 98, 1217–1225.
Potential of DNA markers in detecting divergence and in analysing heterosis in Indian elite chickpea cultivars.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Shang L, Wang Y, Wang X, Liu F, Abduweli A, Cai S, Li Y, Ma L, Wang K, Hua J (2016) Genetic analysis and QTL detection on fiber traits using two recombinant inbred lines and their backcross populations in upland cotton. G3: Genes, Genomes, Genetics 6, 2717–2724.
Genetic analysis and QTL detection on fiber traits using two recombinant inbred lines and their backcross populations in upland cotton.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Tardieu F, Simonneau T, Muller B (2018) The physiological basis of drought tolerance in crop plants: a scenario-dependent probabilistic approach. Annual Review of Plant Biology 69, 733–759.
The physiological basis of drought tolerance in crop plants: a scenario-dependent probabilistic approach.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 29553801PubMed |

Vigouroux Y, Mitchell S, Matsuoka Y, Hamblin M, Kresovich S, Smith JSC, Jaqueth J, Smith OS, Doebley J (2005) An analysis of genetic diversity across the maize genome using microsatellites. Genetics 169, 1617–1630.
An analysis of genetic diversity across the maize genome using microsatellites.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 15654118PubMed |

Warburton ML, Xianchun X, Crossa J, Franco J, Melchinger AE, Frisch M, Bohn M, Hoisington D (2002) Genetic characterization of CIMMYT inbred maize lines and open pollinated populations using large scale fingerprinting methods. Crop Science 42, 1832–1840.
Genetic characterization of CIMMYT inbred maize lines and open pollinated populations using large scale fingerprinting methods.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Wang HL, Zhang HW, Du RH, Chen GL, Liu B, Yang YB, Qin L, Cheng EY, Liu Q, Guan YA (2016) Identification and validation of QTLs controlling multiple traits in sorghum. Crop & Pasture Science 67, 193–203.
Identification and validation of QTLs controlling multiple traits in sorghum.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

White MR, Mikel MA, de Leon N, Kaeppler SM (2020) Diversity and heterotic patterns in North American proprietary dent maize germplasm. Crop Science 60, 100–114.
Diversity and heterotic patterns in North American proprietary dent maize germplasm.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yadav OP, Prasanna BM, Yadava P, Jat SL, Kumar D, Dhillon BS, Solanki IS, Sandhu JS (2016) Doubling maize (Zea mays) production of India by 2025: challenges and opportunities. Indian Journal of Agricultural Sciences 86, 427–434.

Yang M, Ding G, Shi L, Xu F, Meng J (2011) Detection of QTL for phosphorus efficiency at vegetative stage in Brassica napus. Plant and Soil 339, 97–111.
Detection of QTL for phosphorus efficiency at vegetative stage in Brassica napus.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar |

Yu K, Wang H, Liu X, Xu C, Li Z, Xu X, Liu J, Wang Z, Xu Y (2020) Large-scale analysis of combining ability and heterosis for development of hybrid maize breeding strategies using diverse germplasm resources. Frontiers in Plant Science 11, 660
Large-scale analysis of combining ability and heterosis for development of hybrid maize breeding strategies using diverse germplasm resources.Crossref | GoogleScholarGoogle Scholar | 32547580PubMed |

Yuan LX, Fu JH, Warburton M, Li XH, Zhang SH, Khairallah M, Liu XZ, Peng ZB, Li LC (2000) Comparison of genetic diversity among maize inbred lines based on RFLPs, SSRs, AFLPs and RAPDs. Acta Genetica Sinica 27, 725–733.