--Lawrence A. Carlson and Steven C. Price

During 1985 in St. Paul, B73 was crossed with Zea diploperennis originating from Laventana, Jalisco, Mexico. The female parent was B73. A large amount of F1 seed was obtained of which eight plants were grown in 1986 in St. Paul. The F1 plants were planted in May, and were short-dayed at the three leaf stage by covering them with 30 gallon trash barrels from 6 PM until 8 AM. The short-day treatment was discontinued after 24 days. Three of the plants tasseled eleven days later. The eight F1 plants were grown in isolation to obtain as much F2 seed as possible. Over 600 seeds were obtained.

In 1987 597 F2 plants were observed at the University of Minnesota. Seven plants flowered without the short-day treatment during the period July 28 through August 15. Sibs were made between these plants. The balance of the plants did not mature.

In 1988 about 35 F3 plants were grown in isolation without the short-day treatment in St. Paul. Open pollination with no selection was used and a reasonable amount of seed was saved. All of the plants set seed with a three week range in the time of maturity.

In summation: The plants have a very pronounced teosinte growth habit, with 1 to 10 tillers; 4 to 30 silking locations; 10 to 150 viable seeds per ear; numerous brace roots extending from the 1st to the 10th node; some plants regenerate from planted nodes with brace roots; new plant regeneration takes place when a tiller is held to the ground with the new roots growing from the node.

Seed from the 1988 adapted plants is available by contacting LAC.

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