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Janet Day Jackson

Maize Genetics Cooperation - Stock Center
USDA/ARS/MWA - Soybean/Maize Germplasm, Pathology & Genetics Research Unit
S-123 Turner Hall, 1102 S. Goodwin Ave., Urbana, IL 61801, USA
(217) 333-6631 [voice], (217) 333-6064 [fax], j-day@uiuc.edu [e-mail]

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Maize Geneticist

B.Sc., University of Illinois, 5/19/80

Main responsibility is to regenerate the approximately 1,000 reciprocal translocations stocks in the Maize Genetics Cooperation - Stock Center's collection. These chromosome breakage stocks were created during the Bikini Nuclear Bomb tests of Operation Crossroads in 1946 to test the effects on seed exposed to different levels of radiation. They are a unique set of stocks.

I am continuing work on confirming the chromosome arms involved in the waxy and non-waxy marked series of reciprocal translocations. This is a very widely requested set of stocks and I want to be sure it is properly characterized for those conducting research with it.

I am also continuing studies with the rgo mutants I have acquired: During my work with Dr. Laughnan on the restorer genes I came across an unusual genetic trait. This trait is being called rgo (reversed germ orientation). Briefly: During ear spikelet development two floret are produced, but in most varieties of corn only one floret is functional (the upper one). In a few types like Country Gentleman sweet corn both florets are functional. With the rgo gene present the lower floret functions preferentially. In most varieties of corn the germ faces the tip of the ear. Paired grains of corn result when both florets function per spikelet. The germ of the upper floret faces the tip of the ear and the germ of the lower floret faces the base of the ear. With the rgo trait the germ faces the base of the ear; thus the name: reverse germ orientation. Studies are underway to further characterize this trait. So far, I have found my trait to be allelic to other similar known and unplaced mutants. It is hoped that research on these mutants will give researchers a better understanding of the biology and development of the maize plant and may lead to better agronomic uses.

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