DEKALB, ILLINOIS
Dekalb-Pfizer Genetics
AMES, IOWA
Iowa State University
Detection of RFLPs among strains of
W22
--E.B. Godshalk and M. Lee
Inbred lines of maize exhibit various levels
of genetic stability over generations of self-pollination (Bogenschutz
and Russell, Euphytica 35:403-412, 1986). Inbred W22, released in 1948
by the University of Wisconsin, has been maintained at Iowa State University
for at least 25 generations of self-pollination (strain W22-IA). Replicated
comparisons of two strains of W22 (W22-IA and W22-WI, maintained at the
University of Wisconsin) detected significant differences for 1000-kernel
weight (243 vs. 199 g for W22-IA and W22-WI, respectively). W22-IA and
W22-WI were not significantly different from each other for nine other
traits; however, significant mid-parent heterosis values were detected
for four traits (grain yield, kernel row number, cob diameter, and tassel
branch number) in the W22-IA/W22-WI hybrid (Lamkey et al., Crop Sci 28:896-901,
1988).
The strains were evaluated for RFLPs
with 29 mapped clones distributed throughout the genome. Five clones detected
polymorphisms between the strains; four of the clones have been placed
to chromosome ten.
The origin of the polymorphisms is unknown.
Pollen contamination or seed mixture do not seem to be likely explanations
given the overall morphological similarity of the strains. Residual heterozygosity
in the original W22 could account for some or all of the observations.
Whatever the cause(s), our observations for W22 strains and similar reports
for inbred P39 (Gerdes and Tracy, MNL 63:93, 1988) suggest limitations
(and opportunities) for identification of inbred lines with RFLPs.
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