Mapping genomic regions controlling resistance to late wilt disease caused by Harpophora maydis in maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize ( Zea mays L.) is the third largest globally cultivated cereal after wheat and rice contributing chiefly to global food and nutritional security. It is known to be affected by various diseases. Among the diseases, post flowering stalk rots (PFSR) are complex, most serious, destructive and widespread. Harpophora maydis causing late wilt disease (LWD) is one of major component pathogens causing PFSR. In this study, we identified two major and six minor QTLs controlling resistance to LWD in two F 2:3 populations developed involving one LWD resistant inbred line and two susceptible inbred lines. Among the two major QTLs detected one each on chromosome 3 and 5 explained 14.62 and 12.54% phenotypic variation respectively. Among the six minor QTLs detected, three on chromosome 1; one each on 3, 5 and 6; all explained