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Opaque-2 Effects on Single-Gene Inheritance Of Maize Oil Fatty Acid Composition¹

Opaque-2 and translucent kernel versions of the maize (Zea mays L.) inbred ‘Oh7N’ were found to have different percentages of linoleic acid in their grain oils. Kernels of the parent lines and F₁, F₂, F₃, and BC₁ generations were examined to determine if opaque-2 or other genes determined the large differences in linoleic acid percentages. Individual kernels were separated into germ and endosperm oil fractions and their fatty acids were esterified with boron-trifluoride prior to analysis by gas chromatography. A single gene was found to control 10 to 15% of the linoleic acid in the germ oil. The opaque-2 locus also affected linoleic acid percentage of the oil. Opaque-2 kernels had from 4 to 6% less linoleic acid in their germ oil and from 7 to 9% less linoleic acid in their endosperm oil than did translucent kernels. Endosperm oil of opaque kernels was higher in palmitic acid percentages than translucent kernels. The opaque-2 locus effects were independent of control effects exerted by the linoleic acid control locus.

Key Words: Palmatic acid • Oleic acid • Linoleic acid • Gas chromatography

² Assistant Professor of Agronomy, University of Kentucky, Lexington, Ky. 40506.

Received for publication April 29, 1972.