Inheritance of Ear Tip-Barrenness Trait in Maize

The aim of this paper is to study the inheritance pattern of ear tip-barrenness trait in maize (Zea mays L.). Ear tip- barrenness trait in maize can be classified into two types, tip-barren and tip-barrenless. Two inbred lines, lx01-3 (tip- barrenless type), wx04-1 (tip-barren type), and their F, F, BC, BCgenerations were analyzed on their ear tip-barrenness types. Results showed that Fwas tip-barren type; the ratio of tip-barren type versus tip-barrenless type followed a 12.78: 1 ratio in Fsegregation population and a 2.75:1 ratio in BC. χ~2 test indicated that the trait of ear tip-barrenness type followed an inheritance pattern of 2 duplicate dominant genes. SPSS analysis indicated that the trait of ear tip-barrenness length is of abnormal distribution. Above results mean that: (1) The trait of maize ear tip-barrenness type is controlled by 2 duplicate dominant genes; tip-barren type is dominant over tip-barrenless type; (2) the trait of tip-barrenness length is a quantitative character controlled by polygene with major genes expected.