26th Annual Student Research Conference
Analysis of Single Maize Kernels to Predict the Presence of Alleles Altering Grain Composition Using Transmittance Imagery With or Without Polarized Light
Amanda M. Frazer* and Derek J. Franklin
Dr. Mark Campbell, Faculty Mentor
Improvements of cereal crops can be made through the use of many naturally occurring mutant genotypes. Efficiently identifying these mutations is crucial for plant breeders. The purpose of this research was to find a faster, easier way to distinguish the recessive amylose-extender (ae) and waxy (wx) alleles using non-destructive techniques. In this study, we utilized a combination of iodine staining of endosperms and viewing the brightness of kernels that possess a variety of mutant alleles. This will differentiate between ae, wx and the double-mutant ae wx seed. Kernels were backlit with incandescent light and placed between polarized panels, set 90 degrees relative to one another. Previous studies show ae kernels are expected to allow more light transmittance than wx. When light is block by polarization it is expected that wx, having starch with greater crystallinity, appear brighter. Light transmittance will be compared to iodine stained kernels for verification.
Keywords: Cereal Crops, Plant Breeding , Maize , Amylose-Extender, Light Transmittance, Polarization
Topic(s):Agricultural Science
Presentation Type: Poster
Session: 6-1
Location: GEO
Time: 3:30