Ecophysiological models predict quantitative traits of one genotype in any environment, whereas quantitative trait locus (QTL) models predict the contribution of alleles to quantitative traits under a limited number of environments. We have combined both approaches by dissecting into effects of QTLs the parameters of a model of maize (Zea mays) leaf elongation rate (LER; H. Ben Haj Salah, F. Tardieu [1997] Plant Physiol 114: 893-900). Response curves of LER to meristem temperature, water vapor pressure difference, and soil water status were established in 100 recombinant inbred lines (RILs) of maize in six experiments carried out in the field or in the greenhouse. All responses were linear and common to different experiments, consistent with the model. A QTL analysis was carried out on the slopes of these responses by composite interval mapping confirmed by bootstrap analysis. Most QTLs were specific of one response only. QTLs of abscisic acid concentration in the xylem sap colocalized with QTLs of response to soil water deficit and conferred a low response. Each parameter of the ecophysiological model was computed as the sum of QTL effects, allowing calculation of parameters for 11 new RILs and two parental lines. LERs were simulated and compared with measurements in a growth chamber experiment. The combined model accounted for 74% of the variability of LER, suggesting that it has a general value for any RIL under any environment.In an agricultural context, a plant that tolerates water deficit can produce a maximum harvested biomass under moderate water deficits. Involved mechanisms are not necessarily common with those underlying the ability of cells to survive tissue dehydration (e.g. Cushman and Bohnert, 2000; Seki et al., 2001). In maize (Zea mays), moderate water deficits usually cause no appreciable decrease in leaf water status because of an efficient stomatal control combining hydraulic and chemical messages (Tardieu and Davies, 1993;Wilkinson et al., 1998). A similar combination of messages allows maize plants to dramatically reduce leaf elongation rate (LER) under moderate water deficits sensed either in the soil or in the air, before that leaf water status is appreciably altered (Sharp et al., 2000;Tardieu et al., 2000). Reductions in stomatal conductance and in leaf expansion decrease transpiration rate, thereby saving soil water and maintaining leaf water potential at high values. They also reduce photosynthesis, growth, and yield, so optimum tolerance strategies cannot be common to different climatic scenarios. Plants with steepest responses might be most adapted to scenarios with most severe water deficits, whereas maintenance of growth and photosynthesis under deficit might be appropriate for scenarios with milder deficits. Therefore, identification of sources of variability in the responses to water deficit is necessary for designing plants adapted to a given climatic scenario.We aimed to identify and analyze the genetic variability of responses of leaf elongation to water deficits caused eit...