Identifying quantitative trait locus and candidate genes for maize (Zea mays L.) plant architecture traits based on segregating populations constructed by high‐generation sister lines

Abstract Leaf length, width and angle are important traits in the architecture of maize plants. Delving into the genetic mechanisms of these traits is of utmost significance for promoting population yield. In this study, we employed the high‐generation sister lines PCU and PCM, which have significant differences in leaf morphological traits, as parental entities for the creation of F 2 and F 2:3 populations. Through quantitative trait locus (QTL) mapping of the traits in the three ear leaves by ICIM, 55 QTL were obtained, with six stable QTL selected across divergent populations. These QTL had physical spans ranging from 0.34 to 44.8 Mbp. Through gene annotation and qRT‐PCR, Zm00001d007382 , Zm00001d035965 , Zm00001d042777 and Zm00001d020641 were predicted as potential candidates for regulating maize plant architecture. The results of this study lay a foundation for analysing the genetic mechanisms of maize plant architecture traits and cloning‐related genes.