Abstract
In the Colegio de Postgraduados in Mexico, we have generated lines of maize (Zea mays L.) with the particularity that from a seed two or more stalks emerge and develop normally, calling that character “tallos gemelos.” This trait possibly modifies the proportions of the constituent tissues of the seed and could increase the nutritional and nutraceutical quality of the grain. The aim of this study was to evaluate the germination percentage and quantify and describe the types of phenotypic expression of seedling with twin stalks in the lines. 100 seeds of each of the 26 S5 lines tested were used. At 15 days after planting in a greenhouse, the seedlings were classified based on their morphology. The results showed that, on average, the lines had 81.3% of emergence and 51% of twin stalks. Eight types of phenotypic expression in seedlings were identified and described with the character “tallos gemelos”; Type II showed the highest proportion (59.5%). The phenotypical expressions identified in seedlings with the “tallos gemelos” trait are evidence of epigenetic mechanisms, since they present one of the features of epimutants, which is that they are reversible, that is; they can return to the original phenotype, in the present circumstance to normal plants (single stalk).
Highlights
During the course of evolution, angiosperms have evolved different reproduction systems and peculiar propagation types, as a consequence of their autotrophic mode of life
A high frequency line (HFG) had more than 46% twin stalk plants and a low frequency group (LFG) had seeds producing less than 45.5% twin stalk plants
Three lines belong to group 1041G (2466, high frequency “tallos gemelos” lines (HFG), and 2467 and 2468, LFG); the rest were in group 1053G (2470 and 2473, HFG, and 2472, LFG) (Table 1)
Summary
During the course of evolution, angiosperms have evolved different reproduction systems and peculiar propagation types, as a consequence of their autotrophic mode of life. There are two forms of creating a new individual from seed: sexually (in which meiosis occurs) and asexually (in which there is no meiosis). As a result of these processes, in the seed of some species or cultivars, several embryos are formed This may originate from sexual or asexual inheritance. This phenomenon is called “polyembryony,” which was discovered by Leeuwenhoek in 1719. He observed the appearance of two seedlings from the same citrus seed [1]. Polyembryony has been described in different plant taxa [3]
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