Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Maize

What is the inheritance pattern of cytoplasmic male sterility in maize?

Which type of cytoplasm was first used commercially in maize hybrid production?

What major issue was faced by crops containing CMS-T genetics in the early 1970s?

What is the primary function of the RESTORER OF FERTILITY (Rf) gene?

How does the Iojap gene manifest when in a homozygous condition?

In a cross between a normal green-leaved plant and an Iojap plant, what will be the phenotype of the offspring?

What impact does environmentally induced fertility restoration have on CMS types C and S?

Which characteristic distinguishes the aberrant S cytoplasm from the normal N cytoplasm?

Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Maize

Cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) is a condition where plants fail to produce functional pollen.
CMS is controlled by extranuclear genes, meaning it is inherited maternally from the mother plant.
There are two main types of cytoplasm: N (normal) and S (sterile) cytoplasm.
CMS is an important tool for hybrid maize production, as it eliminates the need for detasseling, a labor-intensive process.
CMS-T, the first commercial CMS discovered, was widely used until it became susceptible to southern corn leaf blight, leading to significant yield losses.
CMS types C and S are now used instead, but they are prone to environmentally induced fertility restoration, requiring careful field monitoring.
CMS is caused by the interaction between the mitochondrial and nuclear genomes.
A gene encoded by the mitochondrial genome affects mitochondrial function and regulation of nuclear genes, causing male sterility.
The RESTORER OF FERTILITY (Rf) gene in the nuclear genome suppresses the CMS-causing gene, restoring male fertility.
The CMS/Rf system is valuable for studying the genetic interactions and functionalities of mitochondrial and nuclear genomes in plants.

Iojap Trait in Maize

Iojap is a recessive chromosomal gene that produces green and white striped leaves in maize.
This trait is named after Iowa State University and the striped variety of maize called japonica.
A cross between a normal green-leaved plant (female) and an Iojap plant (male) produces green-leaved offspring.

Explore the fascinating world of cytoplasmic male sterility (CMS) in maize. This quiz delves into the genetic mechanisms, types, and implications of CMS in hybrid maize production. Understand how CMS plays a crucial role in agricultural practices and its impact on crop yield.