IV. MAIZE GENETICS COOPERATION STOCK CENTER

In the immediate future high priority will be given to the development of the most useful stocks in immediately usable condition. In part this will involve an effort to derive stocks in more vigorous backgrounds, particularly through the intercross of stocks of similar genetic marking followed by re-extraction of parental or new combinations. As an adjunct to this effort, it will be important to develop improved gene combinations incorporating both old and new marker genes. Greater emphasis will be placed on deriving and perpetuating alleles and chromosomal variants in homozygous condition or by testcrosses.

It is important that you be reminded that many of you have valuable genetic stocks that have not yet been submitted to the stock center. Usually, the most appropriate and convenient time to send in stocks occurs as soon as you are willing to share them or at such time as you cease active work with them. It is particularly important that seed stocks be submitted while pedigree information is newly verified and seed viability is at its maximum.

Several other guidelines for submission of seed stocks are appropriate. If feasible, stocks should be provided in homozygous condition if classification of traits in segregating progenies requires cytological or biochemical observations, or if other extended capabilities are necessary. For example, the most useful, and immediately usable, stocks of defined chromosome knob constitution would consist of inbred lines homozygous for knobs at designated locations. Similarly, stocks of isozyme alleles might best be provided in homozygous condition. A moment's reflection may suggest to you the most suitable genotype for perpetuation; it would usually be that genotype that you would prefer if you were requesting the stock. Any additional information or documentation you can provide would be welcome. If known, indicate which genes can be recommended for general linkage studies, and which traits have exhibited a disquieting range of penetrance or expressivity. Finally, if certain stocks are partially converted to inbred line background, that fact should be noted in the pedigree in order that the background might be preserved and the conversion continued.

We continue to welcome constructive suggestions for improving the stock center program. Over time, as the directions and emphasis of research activities are modified, we will need the help of each of you in ensuring that our activities and priorities remain responsive to your needs.

E. B. Patterson, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign,
Department of Agronomy, S-116 Turner Hall,
1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61801
Phone (217) 333-9641

Gilbert B. Fletcher, UIUC, Department of Agronomy,
S-123 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, Illinois 61801
Phone (217) 333-9644; Lab (217) 333-6631

Return to the MNL 61 On-Line Index
Return to the Maize Newsletter Index
Return to the MaizeGDB Homepage