Male sterility in corn hybrids
1948
Josephson, L.M. | Jenkins, M.T.
A number of fields of white hybrid corn that failed to set seed properly have been reported during the last three years. Several commercial hybrids have been reported to be involved and extensive losses have resulted in some fields. Evidence points to male sterility as the primary cause of the poor seed set. Knowledge of the pedigrees of some of the offending hybrids and data obtained on experimental hybrids show that male sterility will occur in crosses which have a cytoplasmic contribution from 33-16, an old inbred line developed in Indiana, and possible in those having a similar contribution from Ky27. It is probable that other inbred lines may carry similar cytoplasmic contributions for sterility. Sterility also is influneced by certain contributions from the male parent, a minimum of two genes apparently being required. A number of white inbred lines seem to carry at least one of these genes and K63 and Mo2RF apparently carry both. The expression of sterility is subject to environmental influence. It is suggested that 33-16 and Ky27 be used only as the pollen parents in making the seed-parent single cross for any commercial hybrid. New hybrids should be given field-wide tests before being released for commercial production.
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