Two lines of "Flint" maize regulated by a balanced lethal system

Two lines of "Flint" maize showed a segregation of more than 37.5% of chlorophyll lethals (white mutants) in the first self generation. These lines were identified as "74" and "394." Both lines were selfed for 7 and 6 generations, respectively, and both maintained the frequency of chlorophyll lethals in each generation of selfing. The chi-square was significant for 1:1 and 9:7 segregation in both lines considering 7 and 6 generations, respectively, excepting the 1:1 segregation of line "74." Although these lines present a high frequency of chlorophyll lethals, they can persist in nature because they are regulated by a balanced lethal system linked in repulsion.

Juan C. Salerno

Please Note: Notes submitted to the Maize Genetics Cooperation Newsletter may be cited only with consent of the authors.

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