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Isolation of Maize from Pollen‐Mediated Gene Flow by Time and Distance
Author(s) -
Halsey Mark E.,
Remund Kirk M.,
Davis Christopher A.,
Qualls Mick,
Eppard Philip J.,
Berberich Sharon A.
Publication year - 2005
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/cropsci2003.0664
Subject(s) - outcrossing , biology , pollen , gene flow , botany , genetics , gene , genetic variation
Development of improved genetic traits in maize ( Zea mays L.) requires robust measures to prevent pollen‐mediated gene flow (PMGF) and assure isolation of new traits, whether these traits are the result of conventional breeding or of modern genetic techniques. Studies were conducted in California and Washington to evaluate the relationship of distance and temporal separation for isolation from PMGF. Kernel color was used to detect outcrossing from source plots of 0.4 to 1.2 ha in size to receptor plots planted at distances up to 750 m and planting intervals of up to 3 wk from the pollen source. Outcrossing from source to receptor plots was observable to 0.0002% (1 kernel in ≈5 kernels). Increasing temporal separation reduced the distance required to achieve genetic isolation. Outcrossing was <0.01% at 500 m when source and receptors flowered at the same time, whereas this level of confinement was achieved at 62 m or less when 2 wk of temporal separation was used. No outcrossing was detected at 750 m and 2 wk of temporal separation. This is the first practical evaluation of time and distance acting together to achieve genetic purity in maize.