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Population structure and marker-trait association study for kernel quality traits in sweet corn (Zea mays var. saccharata)

The study utilized 63 microsatellite markers linked with QTLs affecting different seed quality traits viz., pericarp thickness, soluble sugar, dextrose, sucrose, and amylose content, for validation in 39 sweet corn inbred lines. Observations were recorded on two quality traits viz., total soluble solids (TSS) and reducing sugar. Out of 63 SSR markers, 30 showed polymorphism and were subjected to population structure study and, single marker analysis for detecting their association with TSS and reducing sugar. The estimate of the likelihood of ΔK (where K= 2), classified the 39 sweet corn inbreds into two genetically distinct groups. The single factor ANOVA revealed five SSR markers, having P-value ≤ 0.05, had a high association with each of the quality traits. The markers viz., phi027, umc2056, umc1633, bnlg1265, and umc1031, located on chromosome number 9, 6, 2, and 4, were found to have a significant association with TSS. Likewise, five markers viz., umc1465, umc1633, umc1492, bnlg1079, and umc1320 had a significant association with reducing sugar. The marker, umc1633, had a significant association with both TSS and reducing sugar and can play a significant role in the selection of inbred lines superior in terms of TSS and reducing sugar for use in sweet corn breeding program.