Mapping of QTL for resistance to first and second generation of European corn borer using an integrated SNP and SSR linkage map

The European corn borer (ECB, Ostrinia nubilalis Hubner) is a major pest of maize (Zea mays L.) in North America and Europe. In this study, we mapped and characterized QTL affecting the resistance to the first (ECB1) and second generation (ECB2) of ECB and plant height with the aid of 164 SNP and 88 SSR markers. A total of 144 testcross (TC) progenies of double haploid (DH) lines developed from a cross of two parental lines from the Stiff Stalk germplasm pool were tested at six different locations in the USA under both natural and artificial infestation with ECB larvae. Resistance to ECB1 and ECB2 was assessed by measuring leaf feeding and stalk breakage, respectively, using a visual rating scale from 1 (severe damage) to 9 (no damage). Genotypic variance among the TC progenies was significant for all traits. Heritabilities were moderately high (0.69) for stalk breakage and plant height (0.75), but only moderate for leaf feeding (0.43). For stalk breakage, three QTL were detected that together explained 36% of the genetic variance, whereas for leaf feeding only one QTL was mapped, which explained 25% of the genotypic variance. For plant height, two QTL were identified, explaining 20% of the genotypic variance. The QTL for leaf feeding and stalk breakage mapped by us were located in chromosomal regions adjacent to those reported for other maize germplasm and therefore might be suitable candidates for marker-assisted selection (MAS) during line development.