Characterization and genetic analysis of a new allelic mutant of Miniature1 gene in maize

A maize mutant deficient in kernel development was found and selected in our field. The mutant exhibited an incomplete grain filling, reduced embryo and endosperm size, and shriveled mature grains and empty pericarp.

Genetic analysis suggested that the mutant phenotype was controlled by a single recessive nuclear gene. The candidate gene was preliminarily mapped to a 1.1 Mb interval on chromosome 2, and further a hAT transposon was inserted into the first exon of Miniature1 (Mn1) gene, which resulting in a frame-shift mutation and down-regulated expression of Mn1. The transposon insertion was fully linked to the defective kernel phenotype of the mutant, which was nominated as mn1-m2.