Genetic Dissection High Temperature Tolerance Traits in Maize-a QTL Mapping Approach.

High temperature (HT) stress severely limits plant productivity and causes extensive economic loss to US agriculture.  Understanding HT adaptation mechanisms in crop plants is crucial to the success of developing HT tolerant varieties.  Maize inbred lines vary greatly in HT tolerance based on field observations. In this study, the recombinant inbred population of B73 x NC350 developed by the Maize Diversity Group (http://www.panzea.org) was used to identify QTLs associated with HT tolerance in maize.  HT sensitive phenotypes, such as leaf firing, tassel tissue development and pollen production are being evaluated under controlled environments and in the field.  Major QTLs associated with HT tolerance will be mapped.