Inheritance of Ear Tip-Barrenness Trait in Maize

The aim of this paper is to study the inheritance pattern of ear tip-barrenness trait in maize (Zea mays L.). Ear tip-barrenness trait in maize can be classified into two types, tip-barren and tip-barrenless. Two inbred lines, 1x01-3 (tip-barrenless type), wx04-1 (tip-barren type), and their F1, F2, BC1, BC2 generations were analyzed on their ear tip-barrenness types. Results showed that F1 was tip-barren type; the ratio of tip-barren type versus tip-barrenless type followed a 12.78: 1 ratio in F1 segregation population and a 2.75:l ratio in BC1. χ2 test indicated that the trait of ear tip-barrenness type followed an inheritance pattern of 2 duplicate dominant genes. SPSS analysis indicated that the trait of ear tip-barrenness length is of abnormal distribution. Above results mean that: (1) The trait of maize ear tip-barrenness type is controlled by 2 duplicate dominant genes; tip-barren type is dominant over tip-barrenless type; (2) the trait of tip-barrenness length is a quantitative character controlled by polygene with major genes expected.