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Sunflower Moth Damage and Inheritance of the Phytomelanin Layer in Sunflower Achenes 1
Author(s) -
Johnson A. L.,
Beard B. H.
Publication year - 1977
Publication title -
crop science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.76
H-Index - 147
eISSN - 1435-0653
pISSN - 0011-183X
DOI - 10.2135/cropsci1977.0011183x001700030007x
Subject(s) - sunflower , helianthus annuus , biology , achene , backcrossing , allele , larva , locus (genetics) , botany , horticulture , genetics , gene
Inheritance of the phytomelanin layer in sunflower ( Helianthus annuus L.) achenes was studied in association with resistance to the sunflower moth ( Homoeosoma electellum Hulst.). The F 2 and F 3 populations of four crosses between resistant lines with the layer and a susceptible line without were evaluated for presence of the layer and moth‐damaged seeds. Segregation ratios for the layer indicated a single locus with a dominant allele determining its presence and recessive alleles determining its absence. There was no indication of differences due to modifying egnes. We suggest Pml pml as symbols for these alleles. Seed damage was determined from natural and artificial (hand) infestations. Each method has advantages and disadvantages, but with either method there was less larval damage in seeds with the layer than in seeds without. In laboratory tests older larvae were able to penetrate nearly mature seeds, even those with the phytomelanin layer; but the damage was greater on seeds without the layer. Younger larvae could penetrate immature seeds (1 to 3 days after pollination) but penetration appeared to become more difficult as the seeds developed. Seeds with the phytomelanin layer were not penetrated by young larvae 13 to 15 days after pollination.