Author
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Kindiger, Bryan |
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Submitted to: Handbook of Plant Breeding
Publication Type: Book / Chapter Publication Acceptance Date: 2/1/2012 Publication Date: 11/6/2012 Citation: Kindiger, B.K. 2012. Maize and tripsacum: experiments in intergeneric hybridization and the transfer of apomixia- an historical review. In: Acquaah, G., editor. Principles of Plant Genetics and Breeding. 2nd edition. Chichester, UK: Wiley-Blackwell. p. 161-170. Interpretive Summary: The hybridization of corn and its most distant relative eastern gamagrass has been an area of study for over 60 years. Using appropriate procedures, materials and methods, hybrids can be easily generated while maintaining the opportunity for corn improvement through the introduction and/or exchange of genetic material. Various pathways for the recovery of corn lines are highlighted in the text as well as various historical attempts to transfer the apomixis trait of eastern gamagrass to corn. The publication represents a broad and deep historical record of maize x eastern gamagrass hybridizations, general results and potential outcomes to researchers interested in working in this area. Technical Abstract: Research in maize-Tripsacum hybridization is extensive and encompasses a period of more than 60 years of collective research. The publication “The origin of Indian corn and its relatives” describes some of the initial research in this area (Mangelsdorf and Reeves, 1939) and is recommended reading for anyone interested in this area of research. Since this historical publication, an abundance of literature has been developed with regard to the various facets of this type of hybridization ranging from agronomy, plant disease, cytogenetics, breeding, and genetic analysis. As a consequence, no single article can cover all the research relevant to this topic. This report will only briefly highlight a specific series of experiments that address this area of wide hybridization and attempts to transfer of apomixis from Tripsacum dactyloides to Zea mays. Procedures, materials and methods for generating hybrids, offspring and determining their capacity for apomictic transfer are discussed. |
