Genetic studies on cytoplasmic male sterility and its restoration in maize. Final report, April 15, 1990--October 14, 1996

摘要

Our research concerns the bases for cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) and fertility restoration in maize. Upon renewal of our DOE grant in April 1990 we were advised to emphasize the genetic aspects of our studies and to leave the molecular aspects to our collaborators. As a result the emphasis of our research shifted from combined genetic and molecular studies of CMS in maize to almost entirely genetic studies. The molecular studies aimed at finding mitochondrial DNA alterations common to all cytoplasmic reversion events and those aimed at characterizing the control the nucleus has over the organization of the mitochondrial genome were being carried out in collaboration with Dr. Gracia Zabala in our own department. The former were making excellent progress and the latter were nearing completion and both were retained. Our own efforts were concentrated on characterizing the restorer-of-fertility (Rf) genes.