The Interrelation O F Plasmagenes and Chromo - Genes I N Pollen Production I N Maize Donald

IV INHERITED condition of pollen abortion is frequently found in many A species of plants. In maize 20 genes for male sterility are listed by EMERSON, BEADLE and FRASER (193.5). Male sterile-1 reported by SINGLETON and JONES (1930) is on chromosome 6 closely linked with the Y y endosperm locus. All of the gene steriles described are independent recessives, each capable of bringing about either complete or a high degree of sterility in the male inflorescence. Meiosis occurs normally and the pollen grains are formed but before anthesis these grains abort. The anthers remain enclosed in the glumes. The tassel branches are thin and characteristically limp. I n some cases a few anthers are extruded several days after anthers are exposed on normal sib plants, and rarely a small amount of pollen is released. This pollen is usually non-functional.