5. Gamete factor

A male gametophyte factor, Ga₈, has been found on the short arm of chromosome 9. Linkage with the waxy locus is very close. Self‑pollination of Gawx/gaWx plants yield 47.5% waxy kernels. The slight deviation from a 1:1 backcross ratio may be due to some functioning of ga pollen, crossing‑over resulting in GaWx pollen grains, or both. To date no crossovers have been recovered.

Drew Schwartz