Molecular Characterization of High Oil Content in DowAgroSciences' Germplasm.

Molecular Characterization of High Oil Content in DowAgroSciences’ Germplasm

R Ren, P Friedemann, M A Babar, S Bohl, T King, S Kumpatla, and T Greene

Corn is used as the main component of feed for domestic animals such as poultry and swine. The use of high-oil corn not only improves feed conversion, but also reduces the amount of supplemental fats needed in livestock feed. Feed prepared from high oil content corn has increased the daily weight gain both poultry and swine. Edible corn oil also contains high unsaturated fatty acid and contributes to low cholesterol in humans. The widespread use of molecular markers for the development of genetic maps and identification of chromosomal regions (quantitative trait loci, QTLs) has provided insight to the genetic basis of quantitatively inherited traits. Molecular markers can be effective in identifying and mapping quantitative trait loci for oil concentration, and identifying markers that are tightly linked to high oil contributing genes (target genes) could be used for marker-assisted selection (MAS). The objectives of this study were to determine chromosomal regions associated with and controlling oil concentration and analyze their genetic effects by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. An F₂ population was derived from a single cross between an elite line and an oil donor line. A total of 5 QTLs were mapped on 5 different chromosomes in this population and found to be significantly associated with kernel oil concentration. The QTLs could be used in MAS to surrogate normal corn breeding program for high oil content.