title: A mutational approach for the detection of genetic factors affecting seed size in maize.
abstract: Genes influencing seed size. The designation emp (empty pericarp) refers to a group of defective kernel mutants that exhibit a drastic reduction in endosperm tissue production. They allow the isolation of genes controlling seed development and affecting seed size. Nine independently isolated emp mutants have been analyzed in this study and in all cases longitudinal sections of mature seeds revealed the absence of morphogenesis in the embryo proper, an observation that correlates with their failure to germinate. Complementation tests with the nine emp mutants, crossed inter se in all pairwise combinations, identified complementing and non-complementing pairs in the F1progenies. Data were then validated in the F2/F3generations. Mutant chromosomal location was also established. Overall our study has identified two novel emp genes and a novel allele at the previously identified emp4 gene. The introgression of single emp mutants in a different genetic background revealed the existence of a cryptic genetic variation (CGV) recognizable as a variable increase in the endosperm tissue. The unmasking of CGV by introducing single mutants in different genetic backgrounds is the result of the interaction of the emp mutants with a suppressor that has no obvious phenotype of its own and is present in the genetic background of the inbred lines into which the emp mutants were transferred. On the basis of these results, emp mutants could be used as tools for the detection of genetic factors that enhance the amount of endosperm tissue in the maize kernel and which could thus become valuable targets to exploit in future breeding programs.
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Stefano
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Sangiorgio
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Laura
authors.initials: L
authors.lastname: Carabelli
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Damiano
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Gabotti
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Priscilla Sofia
authors.initials: PS
authors.lastname: Manzotti
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Martina
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Persico
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy. gabriella.consonni@unimi.it.
authors.forename: Gabriella
authors.identifier: http://orcid.org/0000-0001-5694-4762
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Consonni
authors.affiliation: Dipartimento di Scienze Agrarie e Ambientali-Produzione, Territorio, Agroenergia, Università degli Studi di Milano, Via Celoria, 2, 20133, Milan, Italy.
authors.forename: Giuseppe
authors.initials: G
authors.lastname: Gavazzi
mesh_terms: D000483:Alleles; D001947:Breeding; D056625:Endosperm / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D014644:Genetic Variation; D005838:Genotype; D018525:Germination; D009154:Mutation; D010641:Phenotype; D010940:Plant Proteins / Q000235:genetics*; D011058:Pollen / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics / Q000254:growth & development; D012639:Seeds / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development; D003313:Zea mays / Q000166:cytology / Q000235:genetics* / Q000254:growth & development
chemical_list: D010940:Plant Proteins
keywords: Cryptic genetic variation (CGV); Empty pericarp; Interaction; Seed development; Seed size; Zea mays