Key message QTL mapping combined with genome-wide association studies, revealed a potential candidate gene for resistance to northern leaf blight in the tropical CATETO-related maize line YML226, providing a basis for marker-assisted selection of maize varieties Abstract Northern leaf blight (NLB) is a foliar disease that can cause severe yield losses in maize. Identifying and utilizing NLB-resistant genes is the most effectiv...

Key message This study revealed the identification of a novel gene, Zm00001d042906 , that regulates maize ear length by modulating lignin synthesis and reported a molecular marker for selecting maize lines with elongated ears. Abstract Maize ear length has garnered considerable attention due to its high correlation with yield. In this study, six maize inbred lines of significant importance in maize breeding were used as parent...