Distorted segregation of the esterase isozyme genotypes in barley (Hordeum vulgare L.)

Distorted segregation of the esterase isozyme genotypes was observed in F2 population which was produced from a cross combination between 'Ko A' and 'Mokusekko 3' of barley varieties. After examining the segregation of esterase isozyme genotypes in B1F1 hybrids derived from the reciprocal backcrosses, it was made clear that the distorted segregation was caused by certation between pollens of different genotypes, independent of the female genotypes. Furthermore, the certation was controlled by a newly designated gene, Ga2, at the locus which was linked with the multiocus, Est1, Est2 and Est4, for esterase isozymes at the long arm of chromosome 3. The distorted segregation ratios did not significantly vary among F2 populations derived from F1 hybrids of the same combination which were grown in different years. Mechanically mixed pollens of the parents, however, could not induce the certation.