Mutants obtained from sp1 (first generation by space treatment) to sp5 showed that amplitude of variability for space induced variations was large enough. Five type mutants for space induced variation were obtained, they are: special high plant mutant; special dwarf plant mutant; mutant of resistance to H. maydis and H. turcicum; mutant for three-ears with synchronous silking character per plant; mutant for sh2 kernel type from flint or dent type. The various types of mutants are described as follows:

1. Special high plant mutant was from the inbreds of U8112 and 311. Compared with normal lines, it had a sufficency increase of 71% in plant height; a significant increase of 52% in ear length and 36% in kernel length. Mutation frequency of the mutant is 31%(see Fig. 1).

2. Special dwarf plant mutant was from Yi01-4-1. Mutation frequency of the mutant is 5%.

3. Mutant of resistance to H. maydis and H. turcicum: Mutation frequency of the mutant is 1%.

4. Mutant for three-ears with synchronous silking character per plant: The three-ears per plant silks at the same time, synchronism for silking and spread pollen of tassel. Mutation frequency of the mutant is 0.4% (see Fig. 2).

Figure 1. Maize kernels (1) CK U8112, (2) mutant for special high plant.

Figure 2. Maize ears (1) CK Yizi24, (2) mutant for three-ears with synchronous silking character per plant.

5. Mutant for sh2 kernel type from flint or dent type: mutation frequency of the mutant is smaller, about 5%.
 
 

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