Identification of key enzymes in lignocellulose biosynthesis from dynamic observations in maize stalks

Maize stalk lignin and cellulose contents are linked to lodging resistance,disease resistance,feed quality and ethanol conversion efficiency.After the six-leaf stage of maize(V6),these constituents are biosynthesized and accumulated under the control of related enzymes and genes.However,the key enzymes,critical MYB transcription factors,and their dynamic alterations pattern under natural field circumstances are still unknown.Hence,we selected five cultivars with significant differences in lignocellulose content and lodging resistance as testing materials,performed field experiments for two years,and investigated the dynamics of lignin and cellulose content,related enzyme concentrations,and gene expression levels in the 3^(rd) and 5^(th) internodes above the ground after V6.The results showed that lignin and cellulose content increased after V6,stabilizing during the silking stage.This study identified COMT(caffeic acid 3-Omethyltransferase),TAL(tyrosine ammonia-lyase)and PAL(phenylalanine ammonia-lyase)as the key enzymes of lignin biosynthesis,while ZmCOMT,ZmCesA10 and ZmCesA8 were identified as essential genes.ZmMYB8,ZmMYB31 and ZmMYB39 were involved in regulating the expression of genes related to lignin synthesis,with ZmMYB31 potentially acting as a key negative regulator,while ZmMYB39 and ZmMYB8 acting as positive regulators.The study also found that around 14 d after V6 was a critical stage for regulating lignocellulose synthesis in the 3^(rd) to 5^(th) basal internode.This provides a theoretical foundation for developing regulatory techniques and breeding new cultivars to enhance lodging and disease resistance as well as the utility of maize stalks.

Genome-wide association mapping and genomic prediction of stalk rot in two mid-altitude tropical maize populations

Maize stalk rot reduces grain yield and quality.Information about the genetics of resistance to maize stalk rot could help breeders design effective breeding strategies for the trait.Genomic prediction may be a more effective breeding strategy for stalk-rot resistance than marker-assisted selection.We performed a genome-wide association study(GWAS)and genomic prediction of resistance in testcross hybrids of 677 inbred lines from the Tuxpe?o and non-Tuxpe?o heterotic pools grown in three environments and genotyped with 200,681 single-nucleotide polymorphisms(SNPs).Eighteen SNPs associated with stalk rot shared genomic regions with gene families previously associated with plant biotic and abiotic responses.More favorable SNP haplotypes traced to tropical than to temperate progenitors of the inbred lines.Incorporating genotype-by-environment(G×E)interaction increased genomic prediction accuracy.

Determination of Physical, Mechanical and Fire Retardancy Properties of Innovative Particleboard Made from Corn Stalk (Zea mays L.) Particles

The demand for particleboard is increasing along with economic and population growth.However,two major barriers to the manufacture of particleboard are a shortage of raw materials(woodchips)and the emission of formaldehyde from conventional adhesives.Agricultural by-products such as corn stalks contain an abundance of renewable lignocellulosic fiber.This study evaluates the effect of citric acid as a natural adhesive and fire retardant addition on the physical,mechanical,and fire retardancy properties of particleboards fabricated from corn stalks.A cost-effective and inorganic salt,calcium carbonate,was tested to enhance the fire retardancy.Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate was also considered as a comparative control.Particleboards with the addition of calcium carbonate was pretreated with sodium chloride.The particleboards were pressed for 10 min at 200℃.Japanese Industrial Standard JIS A 5908:2022 was used as the benchmark for the physical and mechanical tests.Fire retardancy was dynamically tested by simulating a Bushfire Attack Level of 19 kW/m^(2).The particleboard with 25 wt%citric acid had superior mechanical properties and complied with the JIS A 5908 standard for Type 13 base particleboard.Particleboard with the addition of calcium carbonate(5%and 10%)showed significantly delayed pyrolysis time.

Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy induces spermatogenesis in pituitary stalk interruption syndrome:A case report and review of the literature

BACKGROUND Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome(PSIS)is a rare anatomical defect of the pituitary gland falling under the spectrum of holoprosencephaly phenotypes.It is characterized by a deficiency in anterior pituitary hormones,such as growth hormone,gonadotropins,and thyroid hormones.Due to the syndrome's rarity and nonspecific manifestations,there is a lack of standardized treatment strategies.Consequently,early diagnosis through imaging and on-time intervention are crucial for improving patients’outcomes.CASE SUMMARY A 30-year-old man presented with absent secondary sexual characteristics and azoospermia.Laboratory evaluation revealed a deficiency in gonadotropins,while thyroid function was mostly within normal ranges.Magnetic resonance imaging of the pituitary gland showed pituitary stalk agenesis,hypoplasia of the anterior pituitary,and ectopic posterior pituitary,leading to the diagnosis of PSIS.Initially,the patient underwent 6 mo of gonadotropin therapy without significant changes in hormone levels and secondary sexual characteristics.Pulsatile gonadotropin-releasing hormone therapy was then administered,resulting in the detection of sperm in the semen analysis within 3 mo.After 6 mo,routine semen tests showed normal semen quality.The couple faced challenges in conceiving due to abstinence and underwent three cycles of artificial insemination,which was unsuccessful.They also attempted in vitro fertilization,but unfortunately,the woman experienced a miscarriage 10 wk after the embryo transfer.CONCLUSION Early detection,accurate diagnosis,and timely treatment are crucial in improving the quality of life and fertility of PSIS patients.

Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome complicated with liver cirrhosis:A case report

BACKGROUND Pituitary stalk interruption syndrome(PSIS)is a rare disorder,often characterized by delayed growth and development,short stature,and hypogonadism as the main clinical manifestations.It is not clear whether PSIS can lead to liver cirrhosis.CASE SUMMARY This paper reported a case of liver cirrhosis of unknown origin.The patient was admitted to Beijing Ditan Hospital Affiliated to Capital Medical University in November 2023.The diagnosis of PSIS complicated with liver cirrhosis was established after a series of blood tests and pituitary magnetic resonance imaging examination.CONCLUSION We also reviewed the literature from both domestic and international sources to deepen the clinical understanding of PSIS in conjunction with liver cirrhosis among medical practitioners.

Biomechanical Characteristics of Rape Stalks

[Objective] To study the correlation between the biomechanical properties of rape stalks and rape stem lodging. [Method] Through axial compression tests to the stalks of 4 different rape varieties, the change rules of maximum stem bearing ca- pacity, maximum compressive strength, elastic modulus and moment of inertia along plant height were analyzed, as well as the effect of different varieties and water contents on the biomechanical property indices of rape stalks. [Result] The maximum loads of rape stalks presented liner decrease trend along with the increase of stem height, and all reached the maximums below the height of 50 cm. The maximum stem compressive strength and elastic modulus of the 4 varieties were increased with ascending height, but in a slow rate with small change, thus the modulus of e- lasticity could be considered as unchanged. The maximum bearing capacity, maxi- mum compressive strength and elastic modulus of dry rape stalks were higher than wet stalks, indicating that the water contents of rape stalks had significant effect on their mechanical properties. According to the actual lodging situations in filed, stalks of variety No. 1 owned the worst biomechanical properties and lodging degree, while the biomechanical properties of No. 6 and F5 were better than No. 1 and No. 9, and they also had stronger lodging-resistance. [Conclusion] The study provides parameters and bases for the design of mechanized production and mechanical deep processing of crops, and can better reveal the physical natures of organisms. The methods used in this study can also be used to screen excellent crop stalks.

Effects of Planting Density and Nitrogen Amount on Stalk Lodging-Resistance and Yield of Summer Maize in Sichuan Basin

[Objective] The experiment was conducted to explore the suitable planting density and nitrogen amount for summer maize in Sichuan Basin with the objective to provide technical reservation and scientific basis for high-yielding cultivation technique.[Method] A widely planted maize cultivar ＇Chengdan 30＇ was used as experimental material to study the effects of planting density and nitrogen amount on the stalk agronomic traits,stalk lodging-resistance mechanical characters,stalk breaking percentage and yield of maize.Experiment was arranged in a two-factor split plot design with three replicates.The planting density was the main factor with three density gradients（4.5×10^4,6.0×10^4 and 7.5×10^4 plants/hm^2） and the nitrogen amount was the second factor with two different levels of nitrogen content（300 and 375 kg/hm^2）.[Result] The stalk lodging-resistance and yield were affected by planting density significantly.The increase of planting density would result in an increase of internode length and decrease of internode diameter,dry matter weight of per unit stalk length,rind penetration strength and breaking resistance of 3rd and 4th basal internodes.When planting density increased from 6.0×10^4 plants/hm2 to 7.5×10^4 plants/hm^2,the stalk breaking percentage in the whole growing season increased by 17.17%,and the yield reduced by 17.58%.The interaction between planting density and nitrogen amount affected the stalk breaking percentage in the whole growing season and yield significantly.The treatment with planting density of 6.0×104 plants/hm^2 and nitrogen amount of 375 kg/hm^2 of pure N was an optimal combination,which may not only control the stalk breaking percentage of whole growing stage effectively,but also could obtain an optimum grain yield.[Conclusion] In Sichuan Basin,the appropriate planting density and nitrogen amount for summer maize were 6.0×10^4 plants/hm^2 and 375 kg/hm^2.

Effects of Feeding Corn Stalks on Economic Indicators of Tenebrio molitor

[Objective] The study aimed at reducing the economic cost in feeding Tenebrio molitor and improving the utilization ratio of corn stalks.[Method] The effects of different proportions of corn stalks on the weigh of Tenebrio molitor and the contents of crude protein,crude fat,Ca,P,dry matter and crude ash in the half-dry matter of Tenebrio molitor had been studied in the laboratory.[Result] Compared with the recipes of all wheat bran and pure fine fodder,feeding Tenebrio molitor by applying 30%-60% of corn stalks could significantly improve the content of crude protein in the half-dry materials of Tenebrio molitor,but it was detrimental to the improvement in weight of Tenebrio molitor and the accumulation of crude fat.To be specific,the recipe V（50% of corn stalks ＋ 50% of fine fodder） was beneficial to the accumulation of dry matter and crude ash.The recipe VII（70% of corn stalks ＋ 30% of fine fodder） and the recipe VIII（70% of corn stalks treated with Guangda feed leaven ＋ 30% of fine fodder） were beneficial to the accumulation of crude protein,Ca and P.There were differences among the influences of corn stalks in different treatments on the crude protein and other nutrition indicators of Tenebrio molitor.[Conclusion] Appropriately applying corn stalks can improve the accumulation of the crude protein,crude ash,dry matter,Ca and P of Tenebrio molitor but was detrimental to the growth and development of Tenebrio molitor and the accumulation of crude fat.

Effects of Dilute Acid-intensified Hydrolysis on Fermentative Biohydrogen Production Capacity of Maize Stalk

[Objective] This study was to explore the effects of dilute acid hydrolysis on fermentative biohydrogen production capacity of maize stalk. [Method] Using maize stalks subjected to mechanical disintegration,steam explosion and dilute acid hydrolysis as experimental materials,we measured and analyzed the effects of different treatments and particle size of maize stalk were analyzed. [Result] The optimal fermentative biohydrogen production was found under following parameters：pretreatment of 0.8% dilute H2SO4 following steam explosion,particle size of maize stalk of 0.425-0.850 mm,liquid-solid ratio [0.8% H2SO4 （M）：stalk （W）] of 10：1. [Conclusion] Post steam explosion,dilute 0.8% dilute H2SO4 intensified hydrolysis on maize stalk could produce fermentative biohydrogen production capacity.

C-stalk/Cu复合材料的温压成形与表征

应用粉末冶金、木材科学与技术等交叉学科材料成形理论自主开发的木质粉末温压成形新技术,以棉梗粉末为基材,以电解紫铜粉末等为强化因子,在不添加任何可能造成环境污染的胶粘剂的前提下,制备的温压复合材料C-stal/Cu的静曲强度、内结合强度分别高达85.30 MPa、7.13 MPa,磨耗量<0.05 g/100 r、吸水率<0.5%,且具有韧性断裂特征;采用C-stalk/Cu复合材料制备的滑动轴承的压溃强度、表观硬分别高达103.7MPa、53.1 HB,可望替代烧结青铜用于生产轻载滑动轴承,替代天然铁梨木、红木等珍贵木材用于生产高档工艺品,从而在节约有色金属与珍贵木材的同时为农林木质剩余物的高质清洁利用开辟一条新途径。

Research upon the Structure and Pyrolysis of Cotton Stalk

[Purpose]To research upon the structure and pyrolysis of cotton stalk.[Method] In this paper thermogravimetric analysis is adopted to study pyrolysis characteristics on the longitudinal direction of cotton stalk（the stick and the root）and on the traverse direction（the cuticle,cortex and medulla）.[Result] Cotton stalk is a material of uneven and irregular texture,and there are great differences in the structure of all these parts on the longitudinal and traverse directions,especially in the contents of different components in each layer.The reaction in the stick and root becomes violent along with the increase in the rising rate of temperature,and carbon yield rate decreases in turn.Besides with the same rising rate of temperature,carbon yield rate of cotton stick is higher than the one of cotton root.Carbon yield rates of cuticle,cortex and medulla decrease in turn while the violence of the reaction in cuticle is less severe than in cortex and medulla.[Conclusion] It has provided theoretical basis for obtaining activated carbon technology of cotton stick.

温压成形法制备C-stalk/Cu复合材料的结构与性能

以棉梗粉末(C-stalk)为基材、电解紫铜粉末为强化因子,添加聚乙烯(PE)作为分散剂,采用温压成形法制备C-stalk/Cu复合材料标准试件和滑动轴承,测定该复合材料的静曲强度、内结合强度、吸水率、表面耐磨性、以及轴承的压溃强度与表观硬度,并观察试件的断口形貌。结果表明:C-stalk/Cu复合材料塑化充分、吸水率低,其静曲强度、内结合强度分别高达92.67 MPa和7.55 MPa,磨耗量仅为优等实木地板漆膜的1/2(<0.05 g/100 r),优于相对密度为80%的6-6-3青铜烧结材料;C-stalk/Cu复合材料制备的滑动轴承,其压溃强度、表观硬度分别高达105.2 MPa和55 HB,可望用来替代烧结青铜生产轻载滑动轴承。

Adsorption Performance of Activated Carbon Prepared from Corn Stalks

[Objective] This study aimed to study the adsorption performance of activated carbon prepared from corn stalks. [Methed] With granular activated carbon prepared from corn stalks as research object, adsorption performance simulation test equipment was set up to investigate the adsorption performance of the prepared activated carbon for methanol by static weight method. In addition, the effects of adsorption bed structure, activated carbon particle size in adsorption bed, addition amount of graphite powder in activated carbon and modified activated carbon on systematic adsorption performance were studied. [Result] Under conditions of same activated carbon and same adsorption temperature, the adsorption performance of new adsorption bed A （installed with finned diaphragm adsorbate tubes） was signifi- cantly better than that of unmodified adsorption bed B. Compared with adsorption bed B, adsorption bed A took 5 min shorter to reach the adsorption amount of 0.22 g/g. Under the same adsorption temperature, the adsorption performance of bed loaded with different-particle size activated carbon was significantly better than that loaded with same-particle size activated carbon. The bed loaded with different-particle size activated carbon took 16 min shorter to reach the adsorption capacity of 0.22 g/g compared with the bed loaded with same-particle size activated carbon. Adding proper amount of graphite powder in activated carbon could enhance the thermal conductivity and strengthen the adsorption properties. The optimum addition amount of graphite powder was 20% of the total amount of activated carbon. Com- pared with that of the control, the adsorption performance of activated carbon soaked by weak acidic solution was significantly improved. It took 3 min shorter to reach 87.1% of the equilibrium adsorption amount. [Conclusion] This study will provide reference for optimizing structural design of adsorption bed and adsorption refrigeration system.

Effects of Corn Stalk-composted Organic Fertilizer on Physiochemical Properties of Tobacco-growing Soil

In order to explore the method of returning corn stalk into field, the effects of returning corn stalk direcfly into soil and applying corn stalk-composted orgar^c fertilizer into soil on the physiochemical properties of tobacco-growing soil were studied. The results showed that returning corn stalk into soil could reduce soil bulk density and increase soil porosity, so as to improve the water and fertilizer retention capacity of tobacco-growing soil. At the same time, returning corn stalk into soil could also increase the organic matter, available phosphorus and available potassi- um contents in tobacco-growing soil. In the early field growth stage of tobacco, soil alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content decreased slightly; but in the middle and later field growth stage, the alkali-hydrolyzable nitrogen content in tobacco-growing soil increased. The treatment effect of corn stalk＋urea＋fermentation bacteria and corn stalk＋urea＋BM was better than that of the control （returning corn stalk directly into soil）, indicating that the corn stalk-composted organic fertilizer had certain popular- ization value.

Improvement of Methane Production from Corn Stalk for Whole Slurry Anaerobic Co-digestion Under Hydrothermal Wastewater Pretreatment

Corn stalk hydrothermal wastewater(CSHW)was used as a pretreatment for whole-slurry anaerobic co-digestion instead of conventional acid pretreatment.CSHW pretreatment was conducted at 20℃,35℃and 50℃for 3,6 and 9 h,after which all experimental groups were digested at 35℃for 24 days.This pretreatment method efficiently broke the lignocellulose structure of the corn stalk.Different from the volatile fatty acids(VFAs)content,the pH and RS contents were relatively higher than those of the control during the pretreatment process.Furthermore,the highest methane production[185.03 mL•g-1 VS(volatile solid)]was achieved at 55.46%under 35℃in 6 h,which was higher than that of the normal corn stalk anaerobic digestion.The VFAs contents and pH increased compared to CK upon the addition of NaOH to adjust pH,and the RS content also increased slightly due to the degradability of lignocellulose during the whole-slurry anaerobic co-digestion.This work provided a potential method to sustainably treat wastewater and improve fermentation performance.

Degradation of corn stalk by the composite microbial system of MC1

The composite microbial system of MC1 was used to degrade corn stalk in order to determine properties of the degraded products as well as bacterial composition of MC1. Results indicated that the pH of the fermentation broth was typical of lignocellulose degradation by MC1, decreasing in the early phase and increasing in later stages of the degradation. The microbial biomass peaked on the day 3 after degradation. The MC1 efficiently degraded the corn stalk by nearly 70% during which its cellulose content decreased by 71.2%, hemicellulose by 76.5% and lignin by 24.6%. The content of water-soluble carbohydrates （WSC） in the fermentation broth increased progressively during the first three days, and decreased thereafter, suggesting an accumulation of WSC in the early phase of the degradation process. Total levels of various volatile products peaked in the third day after degradation, and 7 types of volatile products were detected in the fermentation broth. These were ethanol, acetic acid, 1,2-ethanediol, propanoic acid, butanoic acid, 3- methyl-butanoic acid and glycerine. Six major compounds were quantitatively analysed and the contents of each compound were ethanol （0.584 g/L）, acetic acid （0.735 g/L）, 1,2-ethanediol （0.772 g/L）, propanoic acid （0.026 g/L）, butanoic acid （0.018 g/L） and glycerine （4.203 g/L）. Characterization of bacterial cells collected from the culture solution, based on 16S rDNA PCR-DGGE analysis of DNAs, showed that the composition of bacterial community in MC1 coincided basically with observations from previous studies. This indicated that the structure of MC1 is very stable during degradation of different lignocellulose materials.

Effect of leaf removal on photosynthetically active radiation distribution in maize canopy and stalk strength

The objectives of this study were to determine how the distribution of photosynthetically active radiation （PAR） in a maize canopy affected basal internode strength and stalk lodging. The distributions of PAR within the canopies of two maize cultivars （Zhongdan 909 and Xinyu 41） were altered by removing whole leaves or half leaves in different canopy layers. The results showed that removing whole leaves or half leaves above the three-ear-leaves （RAE and RAE/2） at flowering sig- nificantly increased. PAR at the ear and interception of PAR （IPAR） from the ear to middle of the ear and soil surface. These changes increased the structural carbohydrate content and rind penetration strength （RPS） of the third basal internode by 5.4-11.6% and reduced lodging by 4.2-7.8%. Removal of the first three leaves below the three-ear-leaves （RBE） before flowering significantly reduced IPAR from the ear to half way below the ear. This reduced the structural carbohydrate con- tent and the RPS of the third basal internode by 9.1-17.4% and increased lodging by 7.0-11.2%. Removal of the three lowest green leaves （RB） in the canopy before flowering increased PAR at the bottom of the canopy, but had no effect on the structural carbohydrate content of the basal internode, the RPS, and the lodging rate. Overall, the results indicated that the key factors affecting the basal internode strength formation and lodging were PAR at the ear and IPAR from the ear to halfway below the ear. Increasing PAR at the ear and IPAR from the ear to halfway below the ear could enhance lodging resistance by increasing the structural carbohydrate content and mechanical strength of the basal internode.

Screening of antagonistic Trichoderma strains and their application for controlling stalk rot in maize

Maize is one of the major crops in China, but maize stalk rot occurs nationwide and has become one of the major challenges in maize production in China. In order to find an environment-friendly and feasible technology to control this disease, a Trichoderma-based biocontrol agent was selected. Forty-eight strains with various inhibition activities to Fusarium graminearum, and Fusarium verticillioides were tested. A group of Trichoderma strains(DLY31, SG3403, DLY1303 and GDFS1009) were found to provide an inhibition rate to pathogen growth in vitro of over 70%. These strains also prevented pathogen infection over 65% and promoted the maize seedling growth for the main root in vivo by over 50%. Due to its advantage in antifungal activity against pathogens and promotion activity to maize, Trichoderma asperellum GDSF1009 was selected as the most promising strain of the biocontrol agent in the Trichoderma spectrum. Pot experiments showed that the Trichoderma agent at 2–3 g/pot could achieve the best control of seedling stalk rot and promotion of maize seedling growth. In the field experiments, 8–10 g/hole was able to achieve over 65% control to stalk rot, and yield increased by 2–11%. In the case of natural morbidity, the control efficiency ranged from 27.23 to 48.84%, and the rate of yield increase reached 11.70%, with a dosage of Trichoderma granules at 75 kg ha^-1. Based on these results, we concluded that the Trichoderma agent is a promising biocontrol approach to stalk rot in maize.

Key indicators affecting maize stalk lodging resistance of different growth periods under different sowing dates

The accurate evaluation of maize stalk lodging resistance in different growth periods enables timely management of lodging risks and ensures stable and high maize yields.Here,we established five diferent sowing dates to create diferent conditions for maize growth.We evaluated the effects of the different growth conditions on lodging resistance by determining stalk morphology,moisture content,mechanical strength and dry matter,and the relationship between stalk breaking force and these indicators during the silking stage(R1),milk stage(R3),physiological maturity stage(R6),and 20 days after R6.Plant height at R1 positively affected stalk breaking force.At R3,the cofficient of ear height and the dry weight per unit length of basal internodes were key indicators of stalk lodging resistance.At R6,the key indicators were the coefficient of the center of gravity height and plant fresh weight.After R6,the key indicator was the coefficient of the center of gravity height.The crushing strength of the fourth internode correlated significanty and positively with the stalk breaking force from R1 to R6,which indicates that crushing strength is a reliable indicator of stalk mechanical strength.These results suggest that high stalk strength and low ear height beneft lodging resistance prior to R6.During and after R6,the cofficient of the center of gravity height and the mechanical strength of basal internodes can be used to evaluate plant lodging resistance and the appropriate time for harvesting in fields with a high lodging risk.

QTL Mapping for Stalk Related Traits in Maize (Zea mays L.) Under Different Densities

Stalk related traits, comprising plant height （PH）, ear height （EH）, internode number （IN）, average internode length （ALL）, stalk diameter （SD）, and ear height coefficient （EHC）, are significantly correlated with yield, density tolerance, and lodging resistance in maize. To investigate the genetic basis for stalk related traits, a doubled haploid （DH） population derived from a cross between NX531 and NX110 were evauluated under two densities over 2 yr. The additive quantitative trait loci （QTLs）, epistatic QTLs were detected using inclusive composite interval mapping and QTL-by-environment interaction were detected using mixed linear model. Differences between the two densities were significant for the six traits in the DH population. A linkage map that covered 1 721.19 cM with an average interval of 10.50 cM was constructed with 164 simple sequence repeat （SSR）. Two, two, seven, six, two, and eight additive QTLs for PH, IN, AIL, EH, SD, and EHC, respectively. The extend of their contribution to penotypic variation ranged from 10.10 to 31.93%. Seven QTLs were indentified simultaneously under both densities. One pair, two pairs and one pair of epistatic effects were detected for AIL, SD and EHC, respectively. No epistatic effects were detected for PH, EH, and IN. Nineteen QTLs with environment interactions were detected and their contribution to phenotypic variation ranged from 0.43 to 1.89%. Some QTLs were stably detected under different environments or genetic backgrounds comparing with previous studies. These QTLs could be useful for genetic improvement of stalk related traits in maize breeding.