Regular segregation of four recessive marker genes among maternal haploids in maize

The objective of the study was to investigate whether a population of maternal haploid plants represents a random gametic array. Four inbred lines of maize (A619, MK01, 092 and 19‐3‐3) were used in the present study. These were crossed with line TO carrying four recessive genes: brown midrib (bm2), liguleless (Ig1), white endosperm (g1) and golden plant (g1). Maternal haploids were produced from the F ¹ hybrids, using a haploid‐inducing pollinator line. Segregation of haploids for the marker genes was estimated under field conditions. The observed segregation data agreed with the expected 1:1 ratio. It is concluded that no segregation distortion occurred during the production of maternal haploids.