GENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE R-MARBLED ALLELE IN MAIZE (ZEA MAYS L.)

Abstract

The assumption that the pattern allele R-marbled of maize represents a compound form with more than one componentwas verified by recombinational analysis, using a recessive g r-g tester stock. R-mb gave rise to self-eoloured exceptions in testcrosses. Progeny testing of these kernels indicated that R-mb has two components - a self-eolour component is responsible for anthocyanin pigmentation,while a controlling element, designated as Mb, inhibits the Sc action during the clonal development of the aleurone. Through the recovery of g-Sc cases from the test crosses, itwasascertained that recombination is possible between Sc and the flanking golden plant colour marker g, with the loss of the controlling element.