Genetic dynamics drive maize growth and breeding.

ABSTRACT:

Background

Phenotypic diversity arises from the process of development and is shaped by genomic variation in plants. However, the genetic basis of growth dynamics remains poorly understood in maize.

Results

Here, we analyze 679 maize inbred lines derived from a synthetic CUBIC population with approximately 2.8 million SNPs, leveraging high-throughput phenotyping to capture 1,002,240 RGB images across 18 growth stages. We quantify 67 image-based traits (i-traits), revealing distinct dynamic patterns throughout development. Genome-wide association studies identify 857 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) influencing growth variation, with 88.6% classified as period-specific dynamic QTLs exhibiting modest effects, and 11.4% as conservative QTLs with sustained effects. Notably, 1.5% o

SUBMITTER: Wu C 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC12924382 | biostudies-literature | 2026 Jan

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature