The genetics of sugary enhancer (se), an independent modifier of sweet corn (su)

Abstract

The high sugar content of the sweet corn line, IL677a, was found to be due to the effects of an independent recessive modifier of the su genotype. This new mutant is not one of 12 previously reported endosperm mutants. The gene can be bred readily into other su lines, but to obtain the full effects of the high sugary trait in F1 hybrids, both su parents should be homozygous for the gene. The gene symbol Se (sugary enhancer) is recommended for the new mutant.