Identification of quantitative trait loci for leaf area and chlorophyll content in maize (Zea mays) under low nitrogen and low phosphorus supply

To investigate responses to nitrogen and phosphorus stress, 218 recombinant inbred maize (Zea mays L.) lines were grown under low nitrogen, low phosphorus, and control (i.e., nitrogen and phosphorus sufficient) conditions and evaluated at the silking stage for various traits, including leaf area, leaf chlorophyll content, flowering time, the interval between anthesis and silking, and grain yield. Among the 83 quantitative trait loci (QTL) detected, 29 were for controls, another 29 were for low nitrogen, and 25 were low phosphorus. These loci indicate that there were both common and specific genetic mechanisms underlying the investigated traits. Overlapping QTL for leaf size (area, length, and width) leaf chlorophyll level, flowering time, anthesis–silking interval, and grain yield were located at chromosome bin 2.03/2.04, bin 2.06/2.07/2.08, bin 4.01/4.02, bin 5.03/5.04, bin 6.07, bin 9.03, and bin 10.03/10.04. Many of these loci overlapped with previously reported loci controlling root growth as well as tolerance or response to nutrient deficiency. These QTL identify chromosome regions as targets for genetic improvement of low nitrogen and low phosphorus tolerance.