**5.2 Novel quantitative trait loci of '***murali makai***'**

The maize landrace 'Sikkim Primitive' is known for its high productivity, producing five to nine ears per plant. However, the genes responsible for this trait had not been identified. Prakash et al. [24] conducted a study on 'Sikkim Primitive' maize landraces. They found a prolific inbred line called 'MGUSP101' which was developed and crossed with two non-prolific inbred lines, HKI1128 and UMI1200. Two F2:3 populations were evaluated across three locations. The number of ears per plant varied from 1.35 to 5.38 in the MGUSP101 × HKI1128 population. Using bulkedsegregant analysis and targeted QTL mapping, a major QTL (bin: 8.05) that explained 31.7% of phenotypic variation was identified among 145 F2:3 individuals. The QTL was validated in 138 F2:3 individuals of MGUSP101 × UMI1200, and it explained 29.2% of phenotypic variance at the same interval. The novel QTL was designated as

'qProl-SP-8.05', and six candidate genes responsible for prolificacy were identified. This finding provides an opportunity to use marker-assisted selection to introgress the novel QTL for prolificacy in elite maize, and it represents the first report of the identification of the locus governing prolificacy in 'Sikkim Primitive' (**Figure 13**).

The local maize variety called *murali makai* in Sikkim, also known as Sikkim Primitive maize, possesses exceptional prolificacy and popping efficiency, making it a significant genetic resource. However, its population has suffered a severe decline, and its conservation has been overlooked, putting it at risk of extinction. To initiate the conservation and revival of this variety, Kapoor et al. [25] conducted a study that involved a characterization and documentation process. This involved assessing 31 morphological traits at different growth stages and conducting molecular characterization using simple-sequence repeat (SSR) markers.
