A Dominant Inhibitor Gene Inhibits the Expression of Ht2 against Exserohilum turcicum Race 2 in Corn Inbred Lines Related to B14

The purpose of this study was to elucidate the genetic cause for the lack of express ion of the gene Ht2 against Exserohilum turcicum race 2 on certain genetic backgrounds related to the inbred line B14. Two such inbreds (A635Rp and B59), susceptible to this pathogen were crossed onto the inbred Oh43—-Ht2Ht2. The following generations: F₁, F₂, F₃, F₄, backcrosses to both parents, selfings of the backcrosses, in addition to the parent lines, were evaluated for Ht2 expression in this study. Plants of each generation were inoculated with E. turcicum race 2 and evaluated for the expression of the chlorotic-lesion resistance determined by the gene Ht2. In spite of the reported dominance of Ht2 on some genetic backgrounds, the F₁ generations studied here did not show Ht2 resistant lesions. The data presented herein suggest that B₁₄ and related inbred lines carry a dominant gene(I) that inhibits the expression of the Ht2 gene. Chi-square analyses of the reactions of 108 progeny families studied supported this hypothesis.