Meiotic chromosomal variation resulting from irradiation of pollen in maize.

The objective of this study was to standardize an induction strategy of chro- mosome aberrations in maize inbred line L-869. Pollen grains irradiated with 0, 36 and 72 Gy were used for fertilization. Resulting seeds were planted in a greenhouse to assess the number of abnormal meiotic cells. Germination, height, sterility and mortal- ity were verified. Cells with delayed separation of chromosomes, translocation, defi- ciency, abnormal pairing, later condensation and anaphase bridges were observed. The number of abnormalities increased as the dosage increased but chromosome aber- ration types were the same regardless of the dosages used. Various chromo- some-altered plants were obtained without viability loss.