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Summary: Low grain moisture at harvest is crucial for safe production, transport and storage, but the genetic architecture of this trait in maize (Zea mays) remains elusive. Here, we measured the dynamic changes in grain moisture content in an association‐mapping panel of 513 diverse maize inbred lines at five successive stages across five geographical environments. Genome‐wide association study (GWAS) revealed 71 quantitative trait loci (QTLs) that influence grain moisture in maize. Epistatic effects play vital roles in the variability in moisture levels, even outperforming main‐effect QTLs during the early dry‐down stages. Distinct QTL–environment interactions influence the spatio‐temporal variability of maize grain moisture, which is primarily triggered at specific times. By combining genetic population analysis, transcriptomic profiling and gene editing, we identified GRMZM5G805627 and GRMZM2G137211 as candidate genes underlying major QTLs for grain moisture in maize. Our results provide insights into the genetic architecture of dynamic changes in grain moisture, which should facilitate maize breeding. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

CRISPR/Cas9, Genome-editing, Fluorescence protein, Visualization, Zea mays Keywords: CRISPR/Cas9; Genome-editing; Fluorescence protein; Visualization; Zea mays EN CRISPR/Cas9 Genome-editing Fluorescence protein Visualization Zea mays 872 874 3 05/20/21 20210501 NES 210501 The emerging and promising biotechnology methodology of CRISPR/Cas9 gene editing is revolutionizing crop improvement. [Extracted from the article]