Use of RFLP markers to search for alleles in a maize population for improvement of an elite hybrid

Molecular markers can be used to detect alleles in donor genetic material for improvement of existing cultivars or hybrids. DNA restriction fragment length polymorphisms (RFLPs) were used as markers to search for favorable alleles at quantitative trait loci in the maize (Zea mays L.) population BS11(FR)C7 which were not in the hybrid 'FRB73 X FRMo17.' Thirty-four RFLP markers were used to determine RFLP 'fingerprints' for 220 [BS11(FR)C7 X FRMo17] F2 individuals; multiple morphs (bands) were observed at most markers. Statistical associations between RFLPs and trait expression in F2 X FRB73 progeny were found for grain yield, stalk and root lodging, plant and ear height, maturity, and seven grain yield component traits. Associations were found using linear contrasts among RFLP marker classes to estimate trait effects. Estimated effects for grain yield ranged from 213 to 538 kg ha-1, 3.0-7.5% of the experimental mean, respectively. RFLP markers with greatest probability of association with grain yield were NPI234 (short arm of chromosome 1) and UMC16 (long arm of chromosome 3). Digenic epistasis appeared to be important in grain yield expression, as indicated by a 12% increase in the proportion of genotypic variation accounted for when significant di-marker interactions were added to a linear model, including all markers individually associated with grain yield. The majority of interactions associated with grain yield involved markers NPI234 and UMC21 (long arm of chromosome 6). Many RFLP markers were associated with multiple traits. At some markers, the same bands were associated with favorable effects for stalk lodging, grain yield, and yield components. RFLP bands unique to BS11(FR)C7 showed associations favorable over those from FRMo17 for at least one marker in all but one trait. The results of this study will be useful in future RFLP marker-assisted selection programs aimed at developing lines for improved performance in combination with FRB73.