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ARS Home » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #120547
Title: REPRODUCTIVE CHARACTERISTICS OF APOMICTIC MAIZE-TRIPSACUM HYBRIDS

Author
item Kindiger, Bryan
item CHALYK, SERGEY - INSTITUTE OF GENETICE

Submitted to: Plant and Animal Genome VX Conference Abstracts
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 1/1/2000
Publication Date: 1/12/2000
Citation: Kindiger, B.K., Chalyk, S. 2000. Reproductive characteristics of apomictic maize-tripsacum hybrids. Plant and Animal Genome Abstracts. Abstract No. 603.

Interpretive Summary: Abstract Only

Technical Abstract: Cytogenetic and molecular evaluations were performed on eight apomictic maize-Tripsacum hybrid families carrying 36, 18, and 9 Tripsacum chromosomes. In addition, one apomictic family possessing a Mz6L-Tr16L translocation was included. Chromosome counts and random amplified polymorphic DNA (RAPD) analyses were used to assess the chromosome constitution, genetic uniformity, and mode of reproduction in nine apomictic lines representing four differing lines of descent. Individuals, regardless of their chromosome constitution, were compared within and among related and unrelated families. The number of progeny generated by apomixis, sexual developmental behaviors, sexual polyploidization, and polyembryony was obtained. Data indicated that apomictic, sexual, BIII derived hybrids and twin offspring occur at similar frequencies regardless of their maize and Tripsacum chromosome constitution. Comparisons on the type and frequency of progeny obtained from identical or closely related families generated during various growing seasons were inconclusive, but suggest that environmental components do not obviously affect apomictic expression. In addition, chromosome and molecular variations were observed in apomictic progeny obtained from apomictic parents, indicating that an infrequent level of partial meiotic activity is occurring in these apomictic individuals.