Abstract: Two hundred and fifty-nine F_{2: 3} and 220 BC₂S₁ families, derived from the same cross between Dan232, a dent corn inbred and N04, a popcorn inbred, were evaluated for four developmental stages, tassel emergence, male anthesis, silk emergence and clays from male anthesis to silk emergence(ASI).Quantative trait loci(QTL) were identified and their effects were evaluated using composite interval mapping(CIM) method. A total of 13 QTL were detected in the F_{2: 3} population, the numbers of QTL were 4, 6 and 3 for tassel emergence, male anthesis and silk emergence, respectively. Contribution to phenotypic variation of a single QTL varied from 6.7% to 18.4%, and total contributions of all QTL were from 28.9% to 50.3%.The favorable alleles of 11 QTL were from Dan232, the parent with much longer developmental stages, while the favorable alleles of other two QTL were from N04, the parent with much shorter developmental stages. In the BC₂S₁ population, eight QTL were detected totally, all two for each developmental stage. Contribution to phenotypic variation of a single QTL varied from 4.5% to 11. 6%, and total contribution of all QTL were from 13.2% to 18.5%. The favorable alleles of three and five QTL were contributed by the two parents, respectively. There were obvious difffences between the two populationn in numbers of detected QTL and their positions, effects and contributions. The main reason might be attributed to their different population structures clue to strict selections while developing the BC₂S₁ population. Although F_{2: 3} population had higher ability in QTL identffication, it should be taken great consideration to conduct MAS in backcross breeding according to the QTL mapping results in F_{2: 3} populations.

Key words: Normal maize, Popcorn(Zea mays L. everta Stun), F_{2: 3} population, BC₂S₁ population, Quantitative trait loci(QTL), QTL analysis

CLC Number: 

• S513.03