A Major Gene for Delayed Senescence in Maize. Pattern of Photosynthates Accumulation and Inheritance

Abstract

Abstract A description is given of the major modification induced in the pattern of photosynthates accumulation by the delayed senescence behaviour of the maize inbred line Lo87602. The major effects noted are: (1) high water and chlorophyll contents in leaves at physiological maturity, (2) high sucrose content in the stalk during grain filling, (3) busks and cobs with more water, sucrose and proteins, (4) high protein content in the grain. The high level of sucrose in the stalk at physiological maturity protects the plant from stalk rotting organisms. The delayed senescence phenotype depends on a major dominant gene, the same genetic factor which favours the accumulation of a high level of sucrose in the stalk.