Ear length (EL) is an important trait in maize (Zea mays L.) because it is positively correlated with grain yield. To understand the genetic basis of natural EL variation, a F_2:3, a four‐way cross and a genome‐wide association study (GWAS) population were used to identify the quantitative trait loci (QTLs) and candidate EL genes. Linkage mapping identified 14 QTLs in two types of populations from multiple environments. Six of them were located in three common genomic regions considered “stable QTLs”. Candidate genes for the three stable QTLs were identified by the GWAS results. These were related to auxin transport, cell proliferation, and developmental regulation. These results confirm that maize EL is under strong genetic control by many small‐effect genes. They also improve our understanding of the genetic basis of maize EL.

中文翻译：

---

结合三种映射策略来揭示玉米穗长的定量性状基因座和候选基因。

穗长（EL）是玉米（Zea mays L.）的重要特征，因为它与谷物产量成正相关。要了解自然EL变异的遗传基础，F _2：3，四向杂交和全基因组关联研究（GWAS）群体用于鉴定数量性状基因座（QTL）和候选EL基因。连锁图谱鉴定了来自多种环境的两种种群中的14个QTL。其中六个位于被认为是“稳定QTL”的三个常见基因组区域。GWAS结果确定了三个稳定QTL的候选基因。这些与生长素运输，细胞增殖和发育调节有关。这些结果证实了玉米EL受许多小效应基因的强力遗传控制。它们还增进了我们对玉米EL遗传基础的理解。