Related Experiment Videos
Is maize B chromosome preferential fertilization controlled by a single gene?
A M Chiavarino1, M González-Sánchez, L Poggio
1Departamento de Genética, Facultad de Biología, Universidad Complutense, 28040 Madrid, Spain.
Heredity
|October 12, 2001
Summary
Maize B chromosome transmission is genetically controlled, with selection revealing a single major gene influencing this trait. This gene likely acts during fertilization, impacting B chromosome inheritance in maize.
Area of Science:
- Genetics
- Plant breeding
- Cytogenetics
Background:
- B chromosomes in maize are known to have variable transmission rates.
- Previous selection experiments indicated genetic control over B chromosome transmission.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the genetic basis of B chromosome transmission rates in maize through further generations of selection.
- To analyze F1 hybrids and specific crosses to understand the inheritance patterns and potential environmental influences.
Main Methods:
- Selection for high and low B chromosome transmission rates over four and five generations.
- Hybridization of selected lines and crosses with varying B chromosome complements (0B, 2B).
- Comparative crosses in different locations (Buenos Aires, Madrid) to assess environmental effects.
Main Results:
- Selected lines exhibited stable and distinct B chromosome transmission rates.
- F1 hybrids showed intermediate transmission rates, with reduced variance compared to the native population.
- No significant differences were found regarding the effect of B chromosomes in the female parent or environmental influences.
Conclusions:
- A single major gene likely controls B chromosome transmission in maize, acting at the haploid level during fertilization.
- Maize B chromosomes appear to utilize the host's fertilization process to enhance their own transmission.