Potassium in Mature Kernels of Normal and Opaque‐2 Maize1

Abstract

In 63 paired comparisons, among progenies of Zeamays L., opaque‐2 kernels averaged 41% higher concentration and 27% more total K than translucent kernels Irom selfed or sib‐pollinated ears borne on F1 plants of inbred X opaque‐2 parents. Progenies averaging 11.0% protein were 0.37 and 0.52% K for translucent and opaque‐2 kernels, respectively. Progenies averaging 15.5% protein were 0.38 and 0.53% K for translucent and opaque‐2 kernels, respectively. The concentration of K was significantly higher for the opaque‐2 kernels from 38 samples of 16 inbred X opaque‐2 crosses and 25 samples of Illinois High Protein X opaque‐2 crosses. Data indicate that the high K concentration in opaque‐2 kernels may he controlled by the same gene system responsible for the opaque‐2 character.