The genetic linkage map was constructed with 89 SSR markers based on a maize population consisting of 236 F₂ individuals from B15(not tender)×B20(tender). The linkage map covering 1 317.2 cM on a total of ten chromosomes with an average interval length of 14.8 cM could be used to locate QTL. The population of 236 F_2：3 families were evaluated for pericarp tenderness. With the method of composite interval mapping, four QTLs associated with pericarp tenderness were identified on the 3 ^rd, 4 ^rd, and 7^rd chromosomes, which explained 3.0%, 1.1%, 1.0% and 6.0% of phenotypic variance, respectively. The additive effects of 4 QTLs were all negative. The results revealed that all the QTLs had come from the parent with good pericarp tenderness, which could decrease pericarp tenderness and improve the tenderness of pericarp trait.