The existence of a duplicated or parallel genetic system for fertility restoration in cmsC of maize (Zea mays L.)
Abstract
The inheritance of fertility restoration in cmsC in maize proved to be complex. Besides the group of three dominant complementary genes (Rf4, Rf5, Rf6), the data hitherto collected indicated that this system of fertility restoration in cmsC was not unique. Using the group of inbred lines in C-cytoplasm, converted to full restorers, as female testers for the group of inbreds known as restorers fo cmsC, we found cases of segregation in F2 generations in ratio of 15:1 male fertility to male sterile plants respectively. At the same time, the male sterile segregants did not appear in any of the two backcrosses, what was actually the crucial criterion for 'absolute restorerness' of the crossed parents. This situation is possible only if fertility restoration of the two paretns used in crosses was based on different genetic systems. This second one, here discovered, could be a duplication, partial or complete, of the previously described one, or a parallel and independent genetic device for f...