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Published in Crop Sci 7:659-662 (1967)
© 1967 Crop Science Society of America
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Development of High-Amylose Corn (Zea mays L.) by the Backcross Method1

J. L. Helm, V. L. Fergason and M. S. Zuber2

Alternate backcrossing and selling has been employed to convert 5 corn belt inbreds to high-amylose inbreds, with selection in each generation for maximum amylose content. Genetically, the ultimate amylose content is determined by the ae gene in combination with a modifier complex. After three generations of backcrossing, all possible single crosses were made among the inbred lines from each backcross generation and among the recurrent parents. These single crosses were grown under three environments to determine the rate of convergence to the recurrent parent. Significant deviations from expected indicated that selection for maximum amylose content slowed the theoretical rate of convergence to the recurrent parent for such traits as whole kernel oil and protein content, test weight, shelling percentage, ear height, and grain yield. During successive generations of backcrossing the amylose level was maintained, indicating that selection for modifier genes was effective. Selection for positive modifiers in each backcross generation may have carried along linked genes, inhibiting the convergence to the recurrent parent for some traits. These results indicate that when sdection pressure is applied for maximum amylose content, more than the expected number of backcrosses will be necessary to convert corn belt inbreds to equally desirable high-amylose inbreds.

Key Words: starch • maize

1 Cooperative investigations of the Department of Field Crops, University of Missouri Agricultural Experiment Station, Journal Series Number 5125, and Crops Research Division, ARS, U.S. Department of Agriculture. This paper was presented at the American Society of Agronomy Meeting, Stillwater, Oklahoma, by the senior author in August 1966. Appreciation is expressed to the personnel of the Northern Utilization and Development Division Laboratory, U.S. Department of Agriculture, for conducting the amylose analyses. The research reported herein was supported in part by a grant from the Corn Industries Research Foundation, Inc., New York, New York.

2 Instructor; formerly Assistant Professor (now Specialty Plant Breeder, Bear Hybrid Corn Company); and Research Agronomist, Crops Kesearch Division, ARS, USDA, and Professor, Department of Field Crops, University of Missouri, Columbia.

Received for publication June 19, 1967.




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