Analysis of a case of somatic instability in a strain of maize from India

A case of somatic instability affecting aleurone colour in a strain of maize from India with flint background was analysed. The somatic instability is localized to the C1 (Inhibitor) allele of C locus on the short arm of chromosome 9. Molecular tests indicated that Ac is not present in the Indian stock and the evidence is consistent with the involvement of theEn (Spm) transposable element in the instability. The presence of the En (Spm)-like element in the stock would suggest that these elements have been present in the maize genome for a long time. A new allele of shrunken (sh1) gene with a somewhat unorthodox breeding behaviour is also described