The appearance of spontaneous mutations on maize (Zea mays L.) inbred lines of maize gene bank

Abstract

The aim of this study, conducted in 2003, was to investigate the appearance and frequency of spontaneous mutations in maize inbred lines. In the investigation were included 100 maize inbred lines obtained from the maize gene bank of the Department of Agronomy, Biotechnical Faculty of the University of Ljubljana. The experimental plots included 40 plants per each inbred line. The ears of inbred lines were analysed, and on the base of literature, the appearance of spontaneous mutations on ears and kernels, were scored. The mutations that were determined are sugary kernels, kernels with empty pericarp, shrunken - undeveloped kernels, nonviable - defective kernels, kernels like opaque and floury endosperm, reduced endosperm and kernels with papyrescent glumes. On the base of literature some mutations (variegated - greyish white perikarp, irregular kernel row) we couldn't have determined.