Epistasis in maize (Zea mays L.)

Summary Three flint and three dent maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines, their possible F₁ crosses, F₂ and backcross progenies, and all possible three-way crosses were evaluated in a three-year experiment for yield, ear moisture, and plant height. The purpose was to estimate genetic parameters in European breeding materials from (i) generation means analysis, (ii) diallel analysis of generation means, and (iii) analysis of F₁ and three-way cross hybrids. Method (i) was based on the F-metric model and methods (ii) and (iii) on the Eberhart-Gardner (1966) genetic model; both models extended for heterotic maternal effects.Differences among generation means for yield and plant height were mainly attributable to dominance effects. Epistatic effects were significantly different from zero in a few crosses and considerably reduced heterosis in both traits. Additive x additive and domiance x dominance effects for yield were consistently positive and negative, respectively. Significant maternal effects were established to the advantage of generations with a heterozygous seed parent. In the diallel analysis, mean squares for dominance effects were greater than for additive effects for yield and plant height but smaller for ear moisture. Though significant for yield and plant height, epistatic variation was small compared to additive and dominance variation. Estimates of additive x additive epistasis for yield were significantly negative in 11 of 15 crosses, suggesting that advantageous gene combinations in the lines had been disrupted by recombination in the segregating generations. The analysis of hybrids supported the above findings regarding the analysis of variance. However, the estimates of additive x additive epistasis for yield were considerably smaller and only minimally correlated with those from the diallel analysis. Use of noninbred materials as opposed to materials with different levels of inbreeding is considered the main reason for the discrepancies in the results.     

Spatial distribution and phenotypic variation in root cortical aerenchyma of maize (Zea mays L.)

Background and aims

Previous research has suggested that root cortical aerenchyma (RCA) can enhance soil exploration and crop performance by decreasing root respiration. This trait is a potential breeding target for adaptation to abiotic stresses such as drought and low nutrient availability. However, little is known of phenotypic variation in aerenchyma or its distribution among root classes.

Methods

The spatial distribution of RCA was evaluated in freehand sections from 13 sites in the root systems of 11 recombinant inbred and commercial lines of maize (Zea mays). RCA variation was evaluated in 583 recombinant inbred lines of maize at one sampling position.

Results

RCA varied significantly among root classes and axial positions. Genotypic differences were observed for the amount of RCA at corresponding sampling locations and for the mean amount of RCA across all sampling locations, but genotypes did not differ in the proportional distribution of RCA within the whole root system. The amount of RCA in a cross-section was independent of several other anatomical traits.

Conclusions

There is substantial genetic variation for RCA, and this variation is independent of other anatomical traits. RCA can be phenotyped in greenhouse-grown plants by sampling the middle parts of second- or third-whorl crown roots.     

玉米农田土壤呼吸作用的空间异质性及其根系呼吸作用的贡献

基于4月底到9月底东北地区玉米农田土壤呼吸作用全生长季的观测,阐明了土壤呼吸作用的空间异质性特征,综合分析了水热因子、土壤性质、根系生物量及其测定位置对土壤呼吸作用空间异质性的影响,并对生长季中根系呼吸作用占土壤呼吸作用的比例进行了估算。结果表明,在植株尺度上,土壤呼吸作用存在着明显的空间异质性,较高的土壤呼吸速率通常出现在靠近玉米植株的地方。根系生物量的分布格局是影响土壤呼吸作用空间异质性的关键因素。在空间尺度上,土壤呼吸作用与根系生物量呈显著的线性关系,而土壤湿度、土壤有机质、全氮和碳氮比对土壤呼吸作用空间异质性的影响并不显著。通过建立土壤呼吸作用与玉米根系生物量的回归方程,对根系呼吸作用占土壤呼吸作用的比例进行了间接估算。玉米生长季中,根系呼吸作用占土壤呼吸作用的比例在43．1％～63．6％之间波动,均值为54．5％。     

Spatial memory during the tropism of maize (Zea mays L.) coleoptiles

Photo- or gravitropic stimulation of graminean coleoptiles involves the formation of putative tropistic transverse polarities. It had been postulated that these polarities can be extended by stabilization to developmentally active polarities. Such polarities are known from unicellular spores and zygotes of lower plants and regeneration experiments in dicotyledonous plants. In coleoptiles, photo- or gravitropic stimulation results in stability to counterstimulation of equal strength (with only transient bending in the direction of the second stimulus), as a result of a directional memory, if the time interval between both stimuli exceeds 90 min. This directional memory develops from a labile precursor, which is present from at least 20 min after induction. Once it is stable, spatial memory is conserved for many hours. The formation of spatial memory involves at least one step not present in the common tropistic transduction chain. The spatial expression of memory as curvature is restricted to three distinct responses: (i) curving in the direction of the first stimulus (for time intervals exceeding 90 min); (ii) curving in the direction of the second stimulus (for time intervals shorter than 65 min); and (iii) zero-curvature (for time intervals between 65 and 90 min). This can be interpreted in terms of a stable transverse polarity, which is not identical with the putative tropistic transverse polarity, but might be an extension of it.     

Dehydrogenase and urease activities of maize (Zea mays L.) field soils

Summary Dehydrogenase and urease activities, bacterial and fungal populations and physicochemical characteristics of maize (Zea mays L.) field soils have been studied for one crop cycle. A comparison has been made among soils of three different agricultural systemsviz permanent agriculture on plain lands in valleys, recently introduced terrace land agriculture and age old ‘slash and burn’ type of shifting agriculture on slopes. Results demonstrate that the enzyme activities, microbial population as well as most of the physico-chemical characteristics of soils followed the trend permanent agriculture on plain lands>terrace land agriculture>‘slash and burn’ type of shifting agriculture. Moisture and nutrient levels and topography of the lands were found to be major factors responsible for the trend.     

Subcellular distribution of alanine aminotransferase activity in maize (Zea mays L.) leaves

The intracellular distribution of alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT, EC 2.6.1.2) activity with L-alanine and 2-oxoglutarate as a substrates in maize whole leaf extract and bundle sheath cells was studied. After isolation of the mitochondrial-peroxisomal fraction, mitochondria and peroxisomes were separated by centrifugation on a linear 40–52 % (w/w) sucrose gradient. L-Alanine-2-oxoglutarate transaminating activity of whole leaf extract showed two peaks: first distinctly higher associated with mitochondria and second lower with peroxisomes. In bundle sheath cells only one peak of this activity was found. It corresponded to the mitochondrial region of the gradient. It is proposed that mitochondrial L-alanine — 2-oxoglutarate activity was brought about by AlaAT. Glycine aminotransferase (EC 2.6.1.4) could be responsible for the same activity in peroxisomes. This work was supported by the State Committee for Scientific Research, a grant No. 5PO6A00510     

Biochemical composition of maize (Zea mays L.) pollen

Summary Pollen grains containing either the Wx, wx, Su ₁, su ₁, Sh ₂ or sh ₂ alleles were stored at 0, 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5 days at 2 °C. After each storage period, a portion of pollen from each genotype was analyzed for free amino acid content. Over all genotypes, storage significantly altered the content of all 16 amino acids measured. With increasing storage, a relatively consistent increase in aspartic acid, isoleucine, leucine, phenylalanine, ethanolanine, aminobutyric acid, NH₃ and lysine was found. A relatively consistent decrease in glutamic acid, proline, glycine and alanine occurred with increasing storage. No consistent response to storage was obtained with threonine-serine, valine, histidine and the unknown. Apparently, storage or stage of viability loss has a pronounced effect on amino acid metabolism in maize pollen grains. The experiment was designed so that comparisons free of genetic background effects could be made between alleles at each locus. Significant allele X storage interactions at each locus were found as follows: at the waxy locus, aspartic acid, glycine, alanine and ethanolanine; at the sugary locus, aspartic acid, alanine, ethanolanine and aminobutyric acid; and at the shrunken locus, aspartic acid, alanine, valine, leucine and ethanolanine. Amino acid metabolism is apparently influenced by the action of the alleles at these loci. The differences between the loci in the amino acids affected indicate the different areas of amino acid metabolism are influenced by each locus.Journal Series Paper No. 4425, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Biochemical composition of maize (Zea mays L.) pollen

Summary Mean percentages of sugars, water-soluble polysaccharides, starch, total carbohydrates and lipids were 40.1, 7.4, 28.6, 76.1, and 1.8 respectively. Differences among the mutants were found only for water-soluble polysaccharides with both wx and sh ₂ decreasing the percentage a small but significant amount. In terms of the various carbohydrates measured, no correlation was found between the expression of these mutants in the pollen and the kernel.

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Zusammenfassung Die Untersuchung des Kohlenhydrat- und Lipid-Gehaltes im Pollen der Endosperm-Mutanten waxy, shrunken und sugary vom Mais ergab einen gemittelten Gehalt an Zucker von 40,1%, wasserlöslichen Polysacchariden 7,4%, Stärke 28,6, Gesamtkohlenhydraten 76,1% und Lipiden 1,8%.Unterschiede zwischen den Mutanten wurden lediglich hinsichtlich der wasserlöslichen Polysaccharide gefunden, und zwar bei wx und sh ₂, die einen signifikant niedrigeren Gehalt aufwiesen.Hinsichtlich der verschiedenen analysierten Kohlenhydrate wurde keine Korrelation zwischen der Expression der Mutanten im Pollen und in den Karyopsen gefunden.

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Herrn Professor Dr. J. Straub (Köln-Vogelsang) zu seinem 60. Geburtstag gewidmet.

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Journal Series Paper No. 3621, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Biochemical composition of maize (Zea mays L.) pollen

Summary Proline was the most abundant amino acid with a mean value of 186.28 moles/mg dry pollen. The other amino acids tested were below 33 moles/mg dry pollen. The mutant wx significantly increased aspartic acid, valine, histidine and an unknown but significantly decreased aminobutyric acid. The mutant sh ₂ significantly increased glutamic acid, proline, lysine, histidine and an unknown but significantly decreased aspartic acid and aminobutyric acid. The effect of su ₁ was altered by the genetic background involved. In one genetic background, su ₁ did not significantly increase any amino acid but significantly decreased alanine and aminobutyric acid. However, in a distinctly different background, su ₁ significantly increased aminobutyric acid but significantly decreased aspartic acid and glutamic acid. Apparently the genetic background is capable of producing major shifts in the amino acid pattern in addition to the action of these mutants.The fatty acids, palmitic and linolenic were the most common with percentages of 54.1 and 34.4 respectively. The mutants tested did not affect the fatty acid distribution.

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Zusammenfassung Prolin war die am reichlichsten vorkommende Aminosäure mit einem mittleren Gehalt von 186,28 Mikromol per mg trockenen Pollen. Die anderen Aminosäuren erreichten weniger als 33 Mikrogramm per mg trockenen Pollen.Die Mutante wx zeigte einen signifikant erhöhten Gehalt an Asparaginsäure, Valin, Histidin, sowie einer nicht identifizierten Komponente, während der Gehalt an -Aminobuttersäure signifikant erniedrigt war. Die Mutante sh ₂ ist gekennzeichnet durch einen signifikant erhöhten Gehalt an Glutaminsäure, Prolin, Lysin, Histidin, sowie einer unbekannten Fraktion; der Gehalt an Asparaginsäure und -Aminobuttersäure war dagegen signifikant erniedrigt. Die Wirkung des mutierten Gens su ₁ wurde durch das übrige Genom, in dem es sich befand, geändert. In dem einen genetischen Milieu verursachte su ₁ keine signifikante Erhöhung des Gehaltes irgend einer Aminosäure, während der Gehalt an Alanin und -Aminobuttersäure signifikant erniedrigt war. In einem anderen genetischen Milieu jedoch zeigte su ₁ eine signifikante Erhöhung der -Aminobuttersäure; Asparaginsäure und Glutaminsäure waren signifikant erniedrigt.Offensichtlich ist das übrige Genom zusätzlich zu der Wirkung der genannten Mutanten in der Lage, wesentliche Verschiebungen im Verteilungsmuster der Aminosäuren zu verursachen.Von den Fettsäuren wurden am häufigsten Palmitin- und Linolen-Säure mit einem Gehalt von 54,1 bzw. 34,4% gefunden. Die untersuchten Endosperm-Mutanten zeigten keinen Einfluß auf die Fettsäureverteilung im Pollen.

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Journal Series Paper No. 3468, Florida Agricultural Experiment Station.     

Integrated multiple population analysis of leaf architecture traits in maize (Zea mays L.)

Leaf morphology in maize is regulated by developmental patterning along three axes: proximodistal, mediolateral, and adaxial-abaxial. Maize contains homologues of many genes identified as regulators of leaf development in other species, but their relationship to the natural variation of leaf shape remains unknown. In this study, quantitative trait loci (QTLs) for leaf angle, leaf orientation value, leaf length, and leaf width were mapped by a total of 256 F(2:3) families evaluated in three environments. Meta-analysis was used to integrate genetic maps and detect QTLs across several independent QTL studies, on the basis of the previously reported experimental results for leaf architecture traits. Candidate gene sequences for leaf architecture were mapped in the integrated consensus genetic map. In total, 21 QTLs and 17 meta-QTLs (mQTLs) were detected. Among these QTLs, qLA1-1 and qLA2 were consistently detected in five and three populations respectively, and six of seven QTLs with contributions (R(2)) >10% were integrated in mQTLs. Six key mQTLs (mQTL1-1, mQTL2-1, mQTL3-3, mQTL5-1, mQTL7-2, and mQTL8-1) with R(2) of some initial QTLs >10% included 4-6 initial QTLs associated with 2-4 traits. Therefore, the chromosome regions for six mQTLs with high QTL co-localization might be hot spots of the important QTLs for the associated traits. Fifteen key candidate genes controlling leaf architecture traits coincided with 11 corresponding mQTLs, namely DWARF4, KAN3, liguleless1, TAC1, ROT3, AS2/liguleless2, PFL2, yabby9/SE/LIC/yabby15, mwp1, CYCD3;2, and CYCB1. In particular, DWARF4, liguleless1, AS2/liguleless2, yabby9/SE/LIC/yabby15, and CYCD3;2 were mapped within the important mQTL1-1, mQTL2-1, mQTL3-3, mQTL5-1, and mQTL7-2 intervals, respectively. Fine mapping or construction of single chromosome segment lines for genetic regions of these five mQTLs is worth further study and could be put to use in marker-assisted breeding. In conclusion, the results provide useful information for further research and help to reveal the molecular mechanisms with regard to leaf architecture traits.     

Hydroxylation reactions in roots of maize (Zea mays L.)

The authors succeeded in demonstrating accumulation of tyrosine and p-coumaric acid in three day-old roots of maize (Zea mays L.) fed with L-phenylalanine and cinnamic acid. Phenylpyruvic acid applied under the same conditions gave rise to phenylalanine, indicating the presence of the corresponding transferase activity. Even simultaneous application of inhibitors of transaminase activity—hydroxylamine and isonicotinic acid hydrazide—did not result in the formation of p-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid.     

Hydroxylation reactions in roots of maize (Zea mays L.)

The authors succeeded in demonstrating accumulation of tyrosine and p-coumaric acid in three day-old roots of maize (Zea mays L.) fed with L-phenylalanine and einnamie acid. Phenylpyruvic acid applied under the same conditions gave rise to phenylalanine, indicating the presence of the corresponding transferase activity. Even simultaneous application of inhibitors of transaminase activity — hydroxylamine and isonicotinic acid hydrazide — did not result in the formation of p-hydroxyphenylpyruvic acid.     

Thiols in cadmium- and copper-treated maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize plants (Zea mays L. cv. Honeycomb F-1) were grown on quartz sand containing amounts of Cd or Cu which resulted in comparable internal contents in the roots. Fresh and dry weights and the content of Cd or Cu were measured in roots and shoots after eight weeks. In addition, cysteine, γ-glutamylcysteine (γEC), glutathione (GSH) and the thiols in heavy-metal-binding peptides (HMBPs) were determined in the roots. At low internal contents, Cd and Cu inhibited root growth to the same extent. Inhibition by Cu was enhanced, however, at high internal contents, indicating that Cu was more toxic than Cd. Separation of extracts from roots of Cd- and Cutreated plants on a Sephadex G-50 column resulted in HMBP complexes with relative molecular masses (M_rs) of 6200 and 7300, respectively. Separation of these HMBP-complexes using HPLC resulted in a distinct pattern of thiol compounds for each heavy metal. The accumulation of HMBPs was linearly dependent on the content of Cd at all values examined. In Cu-treated roots, HMBP accumulation was linearly dependent on the internal Cu content only up to 7.1 μmol·g^?1 dry weight. At internal contents which caused an enhanced inhibition of root growth, no further significant increase in the HMBP content was detected. At these internal Cu contents an increased transport of Cu to the shoot was measured. This result indicates that HMBPs are involved in reducing heavy-metal transport from roots to shoots.     

Microsatellite megatracts in the maize (Zea mays L.) genome.

Long tracts (megatracts) of (CAG)n, (TAG)n, and (GAA)n microsatellite sequences capable of forming composite DNA segments were found in the maize (Zea mays L.) genome. Some of the (CAG)n and (TAG)n megatracts were organized in clusters of up to 1 Mb on several chromosomes, as detected by fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH), as well as on extended DNA fibers. Extensive polymorphism was found among different maize inbred lines with respect to the number and size of microsatellite megatract clusters on the A chromosomes. Polymorphism was also common among B chromosomes of different nuclei in the inbred line Zapalote Chico. Different retrotransposable elements were often inserted into the microsatellite tracts. Size variation in some (TAG)n and (GAA)n megatracts was observed in consecutive generations among siblings of the inbred lines, indicating that these loci are highly unstable and predisposed to dynamic mutations similar to those described in mammalian systems.     

Induced cytomictic diversity in maize (Zea mays L.) inbred

Mutation breeding has been used for improving oligogenic and polygenic characters, disease resistance and quantitative characters including yielding ability. The cytological stability of maize inbred lines is an important consideration in view of their extensive use in genetics and plant breeding research. Investigation in Zea mays L. confirms that the migration of chromosomes is a real event that cannot be misunderstood as an artifact produced by fixation or mechanical injuries. During present investigation, we found that out of six inbred lines of Zea mays L. viz. CM-135, CM-136, CM-137, CM-138, CM-142 and CM-213 at various treatment doses of gamma irradiations viz. 200, 400 and 600 Gy, some of the plants of inbred line CM- 138 at 200 Gy dose displayed characteristic cytoplasmic connections during all the stages of meiosis. Four plants from this treatment set were found to be engaged in a rare phenomenon reported as "Cytomixis". It elucidates that in inbred of Zea mays L., induced cytomixis through gamma rays treatment may be considered to be a possible source of production of aneuploid and polyploid gametes. This phenomenon may have several applications in Zea mays L. improvement in the sense of diversity and ever yield potential.     

Pre-treatment of seeds with static magnetic field ameliorates soil water stress in seedlings of maize (Zea mays L.)

The effect of magnetic field (MF) treatments of maize (Zea mays L.) var. Ganga Safed 2 seeds on the growth, leaf water status, photosynthesis and antioxidant enzyme system under soil water stress was investigated under greenhouse conditions. The seeds were exposed to static MFs of 100 and 200 mT for 2 and 1 h, respectively. The treated seeds were sown in sand beds for seven days and transplanted in pots that were maintained at -0.03, -0.2 and -0.4 MPa soil water potentials under greenhouse conditions. MF exposure of seeds significantly enhanced all growth parameters, compared to the control seedlings. The significant increase in root parameters in seedlings from magnetically-exposed seeds resulted in maintenance of better leaf water status in terms of increase in leaf water potential, turgor potential and relative water content. Photosynthesis, stomatal conductance and chlorophyll content increased in plants from treated seeds, compared to control under irrigated and mild stress condition. Leaves from plants of magnetically-treated seeds showed decreased levels of hydrogen peroxide and antioxidant defense system enzymes (peroxidases, catalase and superoxide dismutase) under moisture stress conditions, when compared with untreated controls. Mild stress of -0.2 MPa induced a stimulating effect on functional root parameters, especially in 200 mT treated seedlings which can be exploited profitably for rain fed conditions. Our results suggested that MF treatment (100 mT for 2 h and 200 for 1 h) of maize seeds enhanced the seedling growth, leaf water status, photosynthesis rate and lowered the antioxidant defense system of seedlings under soil water stress. Thus, pre sowing static magnetic field treatment of seeds can be effectively used for improving growth under water stress.     

Proteome profile of the developing maize (Zea mays L.) rachis

In this study, we performed the first high‐throughput proteomic analysis of developing rachis (cob) from maize genotype Mp313E. Using two proteomic approaches, 2‐DE and 2‐D LC, we identified 967 proteins. A 2‐D proteome reference map was established. Functional classification of identified proteins revealed that proteins involved in various cellular metabolisms, response to stimulus and transport, were the most abundant.     

The nucleolus organizer region of maize (Zea mays L.)

Maize plants were produced partially triploid for the heterochromatic segment of the nucleolus organizer region (NOR) or partially triploid or tetraploid for the site giving rise to the secondary constriction of the NOR. These partially hyperploid plants were characterized in terms of chromosome and/or nucleolar constitution by light microscopy at pachytene, diakinesis, and quartet stages of microsporogenesis. DNA's of the various partially hyperploid plants and appropriate controls were extracted and hybridized with ³H-rRNA. The heterochromatic segment of the NOR was found to contain most of the rRNA cistrons, but has little or no interaction with the nucleolus. In contrast with the heterochromatic segment, the site giving rise to the secondary constriction contains few rRNA cistrons but is active in nucleolar formation as viewed at pachytene, diakinesis and quartet stages.