Analysis for biochemical markers of multiplasmic lines in maize (Zea mays L.)
--Liu, X; Zeng, M; Liu, Y; Yang, T

Before this study, a group of multiplasmic lines with Mo17 nucleus, including (fli.)Mo17, (su1)Mo17, (sh2)Mo17, (bt1)Mo17, (pop)Mo17, (wx)Mo17, (teo.)Mo17, (cms-T)Mo17, (cms-S)Mo17, (cms-C)Mo17, (cms-21A)Mo17 etc., were successfully bred in our laboratory. The investigations of agricultural characters indicated the multiplasmic lines possess heterosis in the positive direction for nuclear-cytoplasmic interaction. The investigated agricultural characters involved 10 characters, i.e., plant height, height of ear, ear length, ear perimeter, row number per ear, grain number per row, grain number per ear, weight per ear, grain weight per ear, and weight of 100 grains. In addition, in the cross of multiplasmic line X Huangzhao shi line, the ear length, weight per ear and grain weight per ear were found to be markedly influenced by genetic factors and the interaction between heredity and circumstances. The row number per ear, grain number per row, weight of 100 grains, plant height, and height of ear of these crosses were markedly influenced by genetic factors, circumstances, and the interaction between heredity and circumstances. The ear perimeter may be influenced by other factors. (bt1)Mo17, (cms-T)Mo17, and (cms-C)Mo17 may be more useful for cross breeding.

Heterosis in the positive direction for nuclear-cytoplasmic interaction was also found in the protein content, and variation for the soluble protein and zein were broader than for glutelin (Tables 1-2).

The leaf, tassel, pollen and grains from different developing stages were purified by centrifugation, and the isozymes and soluble protein, zein, and glutelin were analysed by isozymic electrophoresis and sodium dodecylsulphate polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). The experimental results showed the multiplasmic lines possess some specific electrophoretic bands in the zymograms of peroxidase and esterase.

The experimental results also indicated the multiplasmic lines possess some specific zymogram bands in the soluble protein, zein, and glutelin.

The biochemical markers can be screened with these specific bands, and a plan was put forward to distinguish different multiplasmic lines.

Table 1. Protein content (%) of dry grain in multiplasmic lines.

Table 2. Protein content (%) for embryo and endosperm 34 days after pollination in multiplasmic lines.

Diagram 1.

Diagram 2.


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