Fast-Flowering Mini-Maize: Seed to Seed in 60 Days. Issue 1 (1st September 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: McCaw, Morgan E; Wallace, Jason G; Albert, Patrice S; Buckler, Edward S; Birchler, James A
• Is Part Of: Genetics. Volume 204:Issue 1(2016)
• Page Start: 35
• Page End: 42
• Publication Date: 2016-09-01
• Subjects: maize -- Zea mays -- flowering time -- heterosis -- model system; Genetics -- Periodicals; 576.5
• DOI: 10.1534/genetics.116.191726
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0016-6731

Abstract

Abstract: Two lines of Zea mays were developed as a short-generation model for maize. The Fast-Flowering Mini-Maize (FFMM) lines A and B are robust inbred lines with a significantly shorter generation time, much smaller stature, and better greenhouse adaptation than traditional maize varieties. Five generations a year are typical. FFMM is the result of a modified double-cross hybrid between four fast-flowering lines: Neuffer's Early ACR (full color), Alexander's Early Early Synthetic, Tom Thumb Popcorn, and Gaspe Flint, followed by selection for early flowering and desirable morphology throughout an 11-generation selfing regime. Lines A and B were derived from different progeny of the initial hybrid, and crosses between Mini-Maize A and B exhibit heterosis. The ancestry of each genomic region of Mini-Maize A and B was inferred from the four founder populations using genotyping by sequencing. Other genetic and genomic tools for these lines include karyotypes for both lines A and B, kernel genetic markers y1 (white endosperm) and R1-scm2 (purple endosperm and embryo) introgressed into Mini-Maize A, and ∼24× whole-genome resequencing data for Mini-Maize A.