The accessions from the gene bank of the Maize Research Institute "Zemun Polje" containing sterile cytoplasm

Abstract

In an attempt to search a total of MRI Gene bank, with about 5000 accessions, for the potential presence of the restorer cytoplasm for the gene mslO in maize, unintendently we discovered 70 independent sources of cytoplasmic male sterility. These sources are randomly distributed among Yugoslav open-pollinated varieties, as well as introduced lines and heterozygous materials. This makes 1,4% of the total number of accessions, and raises a question of the evolutionary significance of the sterile cytoplasm into a population. This could be a barrier against foreign pollen, not carrying the appropriate restorer gene.

Keywords

• maize
• cytoplasmatic male sterility
• restorer cytoplasm
• ms10 gene