United States Patent
`US 10,028,464 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`(12)
`Colbertet al.
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Jul, 24, 2018
`
`
`US010028464B1
`
`9/2016 Curran etal.
`9,445,572 Bl
`10/2016 Smalley et al.
`9,456,566 Bl
`10/2016 Hoffbeck et al.
`9,456,570 Bl
`11/2016 Carloneet al.
`9,504,221 Bl
`2013/0291219 A1* 10/2013 Larkins ......ccccee AOLH 5/10
`800/275
`3/2014 Waycott oo... AOIH 5/12
`426/615
`8/2014 Corona, IID... CIID 1/02
`8/137
`8/2014 Haroun .ecccssccse BOLJ 8/0492
`208/108
`8/2014 Darnaud. ............ CO8K 3/36
`523/156
`
`2014/0224707 AL*
`
`2014/0228479 A1*
`
`2014/0072693 AL*
`
`2014/0223669 Al*
`
`(54) MAIZE HYBRID X15K728
`.
`.
`(71) Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED
`INTERNATIONAL,INC., Johnston,
`IA (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventors: Terry R Colbert, Dyersburg, TN (US),
`:
`:
`Nicholas Adam Crowley, Evansville,
`IN (US); Charles Thomas
`Cunnyngham, Tipton, IN (US); Mark
`Jacob Gadlage, Dyersburg, TN (US);
`Daniel Preston Gorman, Tallahassee,
`FL (US); Randall Newton Holley,
`Henderson, KY (US); Daniel Joseph
`Pohl, Princeton, IN (US); Jennifer Ann
`Steinke, Champaign, IL (US); Luis A
`Verde Chifflet, Johnston, IA (US)
`
`:
`(73) Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED
`INTERNATIONAL, INC., Johnston,
`JA (US)
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`US.C. 154(b) by 0 days.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 15/447,428
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Mar. 2, 2017
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`(2018.01)
`AOLH 5/10
`(2006.01)
`AOLH 1/02
`(2006.01)
`CIDN 15/82
`(2006.01)
`CI2N 15/10
`CPC veces AO1H 5/10 (2013.01); AOIH 102
`(2013.01); CI2N 15/1003 (2013.01); C12N
`15/8243 (2013.01); CI2N 15/8245 (2013.01);
`C1I2N 15/8246 (2013.01); CI2N 15/8247
`(2013.01); CI2N 15/8251 (2013.01); C12N
`15/8274 (2013.01); CI2N 15/8279 (2013.01);
`C1I2N 15/8286 (2013.01); CI2N 15/8289
`(2013.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`.
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`(56)
`
`8,383,883 BI*
`
`2/2013 Kevern oe AO1H 5/10
`800/260
`
`8,907,160 Bl
`9,084,408 BI
`9,226,468 Bl
`9,277,707 Bl
`9,282,702 Bl
`9,307,718 Bl
`9,326,471 Bl
`9,326,475 Bl
`9,374,963 Bl
`9,374,964 Bl
`9,398,751 Bl
`9,426,959 Bl
`
`12/2014 Verde Chifflet
`7/2015 Cooperet al.
`1/2016 Carloneet al.
`3/2016 Verde Chifflet et al.
`3/2016 Kilgore-Norquest et al.
`4/2016 Verde Chifflet et al.
`5/2016 Verde Chifflet et al.
`5/2016 Rosset al.
`6/2016 Fischer et al.
`6/2016 Henkeet al.
`7/2016 Fischer et al.
`8/2016 Henkeet al.
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`Fehr; “Backcross Method” (1987) Iowa State University, “Prin-
`ciples of Cultivar Development,” vol. 1 Theory and Technique and.
`vol. 2 Crop Species, Soybean, Macmillian Publishing Company,
`New York; pp. 360-376.*
`The British Dictionary (via Websters.com) definition for “essen-
`tially”; downloaded from the world wide web in 2014; p. | of 1.*
`Moore, M. “A shallow gene pool” (2008) in Farm Industry News;
`ae
`pp.
`1-3.
`soen No. 15/447,398 for Maize Inbred PH240F;filed Mar. 2,
`US Plant Variety Protection Certificate No. 201300302 for Maize
`Inbred PH1VST; issued Sep. 11, 2014.
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/086,145 for Maize Hybrid X08H760; filed Mar.
`31, 2016
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/086,167 for Maize Hybrid X13H943; filed Mar.
`31, 2016
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/086,178 for Maize Hybrid X08H816; filed Mar.
`31, 2016
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/086,268 for Maize Hybrid X13H922; filed Mar.
`31, 2016
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/086,279 for Maize Hybrid X13H891; filed Mar.
`31, 2016
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/086,282 for Maize Hybrid X05H238;filed Mar.
`US. Appl. No. 15/086,288 for Maize Hybrid X05H233; filed Mar.
`31, 2016
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/447,431 for Maize Hybrid X13K545; filed Mar.
`2, 2017
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`
`(Continued)
`
`Primary Examiner — Cathy Kingdon Worley
`(74) Attorney, Agent, or Firm — Pioneer Hi-Bred Int’1,
`Inc.
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`Anovel maize variety designated X15K728 and seed, plants
`and plant parts thereof are produced by crossing inbred
`maize varieties. Methods for producing a maize plant by
`crossing hybrid maize variety X15K728 with another maize
`plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant
`containing in its genetic material one or moretraits intro-
`gressed into X15K728 through backcross conversion and/or
`transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part
`producedthereby. This invention relates to the maize variety
`X15K728, the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and
`variants, mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety
`X15K728. This invention further relates to methods for
`producing maize varieties derived from maize variety
`X15K728.
`
`20 Claims, No Drawings
`
`Inari v. Pioneer
`
`Inari Exhibit 1066
`Inari Exhibit 1066
`Inari v. Pioneer
`
`

`

`US 10,028,464 B1
`Page 2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/447,445 for Maize Hybrid X08K266;filed Mar.
`2, 2017.
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/447,451 for Maize Hybrid X08H786;filed Mar.
`2, 2017.
`U.S. Appl. No. 15/447,479 for Maize Hybrid X05K734;filed Mar.
`2, 2017.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`

`

`US 10,028,464 B1
`
`1
`MAIZE HYBRID X15K728
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`2
`inherited trait is the male sterility trait. Cytoplasmic-male
`sterility (CMS)is a pollen abortion phenomenondetermined
`by the interaction between the genes in the cytoplasm and
`the nucleus. Alteration in the mitochondrial genome and the
`lack of restorer genes in the nucleus will lead to pollen
`abortion. With either a normal cytoplasm or the presence of
`restorer gene(s) in the nucleus, the plant will produce pollen
`normally. A CMSplant can be pollinated by a maintainer
`version of the same variety, which has a normal cytoplasm
`but lacks the restorer gene(s) in the nucleus, and continues
`to be male sterile in the next generation. The male fertility
`of a CMSplant can be restored by a restorer version of the
`same variety, which must have the restorer gene(s) in the
`nucleus. With the restorer gene(s) in the nucleus, the off-
`spring of the male-sterile plant can produce normal pollen
`grains and propagate. A cytoplasmically inherited trait may
`be a naturally occurring maize trait or a trait introduced
`through genetic transformation techniques.
`A tissue culture of regenerable cells of a plant of variety
`X15K728 is provided. The tissue culture can be capable of
`regenerating plants capable of expressing all of the physi-
`ological and morphological or phenotypic characteristics of
`the variety and of regenerating plants having substantially
`the same genotypeas other plants of the variety. Examples
`of some of the physiological and morphological character-
`istics of the variety X15K728 that may be assessed include
`characteristics related to yield, maturity, and kernel quality.
`The regenerable cells in such tissue cultures can be derived,
`for example, from embryos, meristematic cells, immature
`tassels, microspores, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips,
`silk, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, husks, or stalks, or from
`callus or protoplasts derived from those tissues. Maize
`plants regenerated from the tissue cultures and plants having
`The hybrid maize plant may further comprise a cytoplas-
`all or essentially all of the physiological and morphological
`mic or nuclear factor capable of conferring male sterility or
`characteristics of variety X15K728 are also provided.
`otherwise preventing self-pollination, such as by self-incom-
`A method of producing hybrid maize seed comprising
`patibility. Parts of the maize plants disclosed herein are also
`crossing a plant of variety PH240F with a plant of variety
`provided, for example, pollen obtained from an hybrid plant
`PH1V5T. In a cross, either parent may serve as the male or
`and an ovule of the hybrid plant.
`female. Processes are also provided for producing maize
`Seed of the hybrid maize variety X15K728 is provided
`seeds or plants, which processes generally comprise cross-
`and maybe provided as a population of maize seed of the
`ing a first parent maize plant as a male or female parent with
`variety designated X15K728.
`a second parent maize plant, wherein at least one of the first
`Compositions are provided comprising a seed of maize
`or second parent maize plants is a plant of the variety
`variety X15K728 comprised in plant seed growth media. In
`designated X15K728. In such crossing, either parent may
`certain embodiments, the plant seed growth media is a soil
`serve as the male or female parent. These processes may be
`or synthetic cultivation medium. In specific embodiments,
`the growth medium may be comprised in a container or may,
`further exemplified as processes for preparing hybrid maize
`
`for example, be soil inafield. seed or plants, wherein a first hybrid maize plant is crossed
`Hybrid maize variety X15K728 is provided comprising an
`with a second maize plant of a different, distinct variety to
`added heritable trait. The heritable trait may be a genetic
`provide a hybrid that has, as one of its parents, the hybrid
`locus that
`is a dominant or recessive allele. In certain
`maize plant variety X15K728. In these processes, crossing
`will result in the production of seed. The seed production
`occurs regardless of whether the seed is collected or not.
`In some embodiments, the first step in “crossing” com-
`prises planting, often in pollinating proximity, seeds ofa first
`and second parent maize plant, and in manycases, seeds of
`a first maize plant and a second, distinct maize plant. Where
`the plants are not in pollinating proximity, pollination can
`nevertheless be accomplished by other means, such as by
`transferring a pollen or tassel bag from oneplantto the other.
`A second step comprises cultivating or growing the seeds
`of said first and second parent maize plants into plants that
`bear flowers (maize bears both male flowers (tassels) and
`female flowers (silks) in separate anatomical structures on
`the same plant).
`A third step comprises preventing self-pollination of the
`plants,
`i.e., preventing the silks of a plant from being
`fertilized by any plant of the same variety, including the
`
`embodiments, the genetic locus confers traits such as, for
`example, male sterility, waxy starch, herbicide tolerance or
`resistance, insect resistance, resistance to bacterial, fungal,
`nematodeorviral disease, and altered or modified fatty acid,
`phytate, protein or carbohydrate metabolism. The genetic
`locus may be a naturally occurring maize gene introduced
`into the genomeofa parent of the variety by backcrossing,
`a natural or induced mutation, or a transgene introduced
`through genetic transformation techniques. When intro-
`duced through transformation, a genetic locus may comprise
`one or more transgenes integrated at a single chromosomal
`location.
`Ahybrid maize plant of the variety designated X15K728
`is provided, wherein a cytoplasmically-inherited trait has
`been introducedinto the hybrid plant. Such cytoplasmically-
`inherited traits are passed to progeny through the female
`parent in a particular cross. An exemplary cytoplasmically-
`
`The goal of hybrid developmentis to combine,in a single
`hybrid, various desirable traits. For field crops, these traits
`may includeresistance to diseases and insects, resistance to
`heat and drought, reducing the time to crop maturity, greater
`yield, and better agronomic quality. With mechanical har-
`vesting of many crops, uniformity of plant characteristics
`such as germination, stand establishment, growth rate, matu-
`rity, and plant and ear height is important. Traditional plant
`breeding is an important
`tool
`in developing new and
`improved commercial crops.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Provided is a novel maize, Zea mays L., variety, seed,
`plant, cells and its parts designated as X15K728, produced
`by crossing two maize inbred varieties. The hybrid maize
`variety X15K728, the seed, the plant andits parts produced
`from the seed, and variants, mutants and minor modifica-
`tions of maize X15K728 are provided. Processes are pro-
`vided for making a maize plant containing in its genetic
`material one or more traits introgressed into X15K728
`through locus conversion, backcrossing and/or transforma-
`tion, and to the maize seed, plant and plant parts produced
`thereby. Methods for producing maize varieties derived
`from hybrid maize variety X15K728 are also provided. Also
`provided are maize plants having all the physiological and
`morphological characteristics of the hybrid maize variety
`X15K728.
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`US 10,028,464 B1
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`3
`same plant. This can be done, for example, by emasculating
`the male flowers of the first or second parent maize plant,
`(i.e., treating or manipulating the flowers so as to prevent
`pollen production, in order to produce an emasculated parent
`maizeplant). Self-incompatibility systems may also be used
`in some hybrid crops for the same purpose. Self-incompat-
`ible plantsstill shed viable pollen and can pollinate plants of
`other varieties but are incapable of pollinating themselves or
`other plants of the same variety.
`A fourth step may comprise allowing cross-pollination to
`occur between the first and second parent maize plants.
`Whenthe plants are notin pollinating proximity, this can be
`done by placing a bag, usually paper or glassine, over the
`tassels of the first plant and another bag overthe silks of the
`incipient ear on the secondplant. The bagsare left in place
`for at least 24 hours. Since pollen is viable for less than 24
`hours, this assures that the silks are not pollinated from other
`pollen sources, that any stray pollen on the tassels ofthe first
`plant is dead, and that the only pollen transferred comes
`from the first plant. The pollen bag overthe tassel of thefirst
`plant is then shaken vigorously to enhancerelease of pollen
`from thetassels, and the shoot bag is removed from the silks
`of the incipient ear on the second plant. Finally, the pollen
`bag is removed from thetasselofthefirst plant and is placed
`overthe silks of the incipient ear of the secondplant, shaken
`again andleft in place. Yet another step comprises harvest-
`ing the seeds from at least one of the parent maize plants.
`The harvested seed can be grown to produce a maize plant
`or hybrid maize plant.
`Maize seed and plants are provided that are produced by
`a process that comprises crossing a first parent maize plant
`with a second parent maize plant, wherein at least one of the
`first or second parent maize plants is a plant of the variety
`designated X15K728. Maize seed and plants produced by
`the process are first generation hybrid maize seed and plants
`producedby crossing an inbred with another, distinct inbred.
`Seed of an F1 hybrid maize plant, an F1 hybrid maize plant
`and seed thereof, specifically the hybrid variety designated
`X15K728 is provided.
`Plants described herein can be analyzed bytheir “genetic
`complement.” This term is used to refer to the aggregate of
`nucleotide sequences, the expression of which defines the
`phenotype of, for example, a maize plant, or a cell or tissue
`of that plant. A genetic complement thus represents the
`genetic make up of an cell, tissue or plant. Provided are
`maize plant cells that have a genetic complement in accor-
`dance with the maize plant cells disclosed herein, and plants,
`seeds and diploid plants containing suchcells.
`Plant genetic complements may be assessed by genetic
`markerprofiles, and by the expression of phenotypic traits
`that are characteristic of the expression of the genetic
`complement, e.g., isozyme typing profiles. It is understood
`that variety X15K728 could be identified by any of the many
`well-known techniques used for genetic profiling disclosed
`herein.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`A new anddistinctive maize hybrid variety designated
`X15K728, which has been the result of years of careful
`breeding and selection in a comprehensive maize breeding
`program is provided.
`
`DEFINITIONS
`
`Maize, Zea mays L., can be referred to as maize or corn.
`Certain definitions used in the specification are provided
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`below. Also in the examples that follow, a number of terms
`are used herein. In order to provide a clear and consistent
`understanding of the specification and claims, including the
`scope to be given such terms, the following definitions are
`provided. NOTE: ABS is in absolute terms and % MN is
`percent of the mean for the experiments in which the inbred
`or hybrid was grown. PCT designates that
`the trait
`is
`calculated as a percentage. % NOT designates the percent-
`age of plants that did not exhibit a trait. For example,
`STKLDG % NOTis the percentage of plants in a plot that
`were not stalk lodged. These designators will follow the
`descriptors to denote how the values are to be interpreted.
`Below are the descriptors used in the data tables included
`herein.
`ABIOTIC STRESS TOLERANCE: resistance to non-
`biological sources of stress conferred by traits such as
`nitrogen utilization efficiency, altered nitrogen responsive-
`ness, drought resistance, cold, and salt resistance
`ABTSTK=ARTIFICIAL BRITTLE STALK:A count of
`
`the numberof “snapped”plants per plot following machine
`snapping. A snapped planthasits stalk completely snapped
`at a node betweenthe base of the plant and the node above
`the ear. Expressed as percent of plants that did not snap.
`ALLELE: Any of one or more alternative forms of a
`genetic sequence. In a diploid cell or organism, the two
`alleles of a given sequence typically occupy corresponding
`loci on a pair of homologous chromosomes.
`ALTER: The utilization of up-regulation, down-regula-
`tion, or gene silencing.
`ANTHESIS: The time of a flower’s opening.
`ANTIOXIDANT: A chemical compound or substance
`that inhibits oxidation, including but not limited to tocoph-
`erol or tocotrienols.
`
`ANT ROT=ANTHRACNOSE STALK ROT (Colletotri-
`chum graminicola): A 1
`to 9 visual rating indicating the
`resistance to Anthracnose Stalk Rot. A higher score indicates
`a higher resistance. Data are collected only when sufficient
`selection pressure exists in the experiment measured.
`BACKCROSSING:Process in which a breeder crosses a
`hybrid progeny variety back to one ofthe parental genotypes
`one or more times.
`BACKCROSS PROGENY:Progeny plants produced by
`crossing one maize line (recurrent parent) with plants of
`another maize line (donor) that comprise a desired trait or
`locus, selecting progeny plants that comprise the desired
`trait or locus, and crossing them with the recurrent parent 1
`or more times to produce backcross progeny plants that
`comprise said trait or locus.
`BARPLT=BARREN PLANTS: Thepercent of plants per
`plot that were not barren (lack ears).
`BLUP=BEST LINEAR UNBIASED PREDICTION.The
`BLUPvalues are determined from a mixed model analysis
`of hybrid performance observations at various locations and
`replications. BLUP values for inbred maize plants, breeding
`values, are estimated from the same analysis using pedigree
`information.
`BORBMN=ARTIFICIAL BRITTLE STALK MEAN:
`
`The mean percentofplants not “snapped”in a plot following
`artificial selection pressure. A snapped plant has its stalk
`completely snapped at a node betweenthe base of the plant
`and the node above the ear. Expressed as percent of plants
`that did not snap. A higher numberindicates better tolerance
`to brittle snapping.
`BRENGMN=BRITTLE STALK ENERGY MEAN: The
`
`mean amount of energy per unit area neededto artificially
`brittle snap a corn stalk. A higher numberindicates better
`tolerance to brittle snapping.
`
`

`

`US 10,028,464 B1
`
`5
`BREEDING:The genetic manipulation of living organ-
`isms.
`
`BREEDING CROSS: A cross to introduce new genetic
`material into a plant for the development of a new variety.
`For example, one could cross plant A with plant B, wherein
`plant B would be genetically different from plant A. After
`the breeding cross, the resulting F1 plants could then be
`selfed or sibbed for one, two, three or more times (F1, F2,
`F3, etc.) until a new inbred variety is developed.
`BRLPNE=ARTIFICIAL ROOT LODGING EARLY
`
`SEASON:The percent of plants not root lodged in a plot
`following artificial selection pressure applied prior to flow-
`ering. A plant is considered root lodged if it leans from the
`vertical axis at an approximately 30 degree angle or greater.
`Expressed as percent of plants that did not root lodge. A
`higher numberindicates higher tolerance to root lodging.
`BRLPNL=ARTIFICIAL ROOT LODGING LATE SEA-
`
`lodged in a plot
`SON: The percent of plants not root
`following artificial selection pressure during grain fill. A
`plant is considered root lodged if it leans from the vertical
`axis at an approximately 30 degree angle or greater.
`Expressed as percent of plants that did not root lodge. A
`higher numberindicates higher tolerance to root lodging.
`BRTSTK=BRITTLE STALKS: This is a measure of the
`stalk breakage near the time of pollination, and is an
`indication of whether a hybrid or inbred would snap or break
`near the time of flowering under severe winds. Data are
`presented as percentage of plants that did not snap. Data are
`collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`BRTPCN=BRITTLE STALKS: This is an estimate of the
`stalk breakage near the time of pollination, and is an
`indication of whether a hybrid or inbred would snap or break
`near the time of flowering under severe winds. Data are
`presented as percentage of plants that did not snap. Data are
`collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`CARBOHYDRATE: Organic compounds comprising
`carbon, oxygen and hydrogen,
`including sugars, starches
`and cellulose.
`CELL: Cell as used herein includes a plant cell, whether
`isolated, in tissue culture or incorporated in a plant or plant
`part.
`CLDTST=COLD TEST: The percent of plants that ger-
`minate under cold test conditions.
`CLN=CORN LETHAL NECROSIS: Synergistic interac-
`tion of maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV)in combina-
`tion with either maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV-A or
`MDMV-B)or wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV). A 1 to 9
`visual rating indicating the resistance to Corn Lethal Necro-
`sis. A higher score indicates a higher resistance. Data are
`collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`CMSMT=COMMON SMUT:This is the percentage of
`plants not infected with Common Smut. Data are collected
`only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the experi-
`ment measured.
`COMRST=COMMONRUST(Puccinia sorghi): A 1 to 9
`visual rating indicating the resistance to Common Rust. A
`higher score indicates a higherresistance. Data are collected
`only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the experi-
`ment measured.
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`but also including protoplast fusion and other molecular
`biology methods of combining genetic material from two
`sources.
`
`D and D1-Dn:represents the generation of doubled hap-
`loid.
`
`D/D=DRYDOWN:This represents the relative rate at
`which a hybrid will reach acceptable harvest moisture
`compared to other hybrids on a 1 to 9 rating scale. A high
`score indicates a hybrid thatdries relatively fast while a low
`score indicates a hybrid that dries slowly.
`DIGENG=DIGESTIBLE ENERGY:Near-infrared trans-
`
`mission spectroscopy, NIT, prediction of digestible energy.
`DIPERS=DIPLODIA EAR MOLD SCORES (Diplodia
`maydis and Diplodia macrospora): A 1 to 9 visual rating
`indicating the resistance to Diplodia Ear Mold. A higher
`score indicates a higher resistance. Data are collected only
`when sufficient selection pressure exists in the experiment
`measured.
`
`DIPLOID PLANTPART:Refersto a plant part or cell that
`has a same diploid genotype.
`DIPROT=DIPLODIA STALK ROT SCORE: Score of
`stalk rot severity due to Diplodia (Diplodia maydis).
`Expressed as a 1 to 9 score with 9 being highly resistant.
`Data are collected only when sufficient selection pressure
`exists in the experiment measured.
`DRPEAR=DROPPED EARS: A measure of the number
`of dropped ears per plot and represents the percentage of
`plants that did not drop ears prior to harvest. Data are
`collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`D/T=DROUGHT TOLERANCE: This represents a 1 to 9
`rating for drought tolerance, and is based on data obtained
`understress conditions. A high score indicates good drought
`tolerance and a low score indicates poor droughttolerance.
`Data are collected only when sufficient selection pressure
`exists in the experiment measured.
`EARHT=EAR HEIGHT: The ear height is a measure
`from the ground to the highest placed developed ear node
`attachment and is measured in inches.
`
`EARMLD=GENERAL EAR MOLD: Visual rating (1 to
`9 score) where a 1
`is very susceptible and a 9 is very
`resistant. This is based on overall rating for ear mold of
`mature ears without determining the specific mold organism,
`and maynot be predictive for a specific ear mold. Data are
`collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`EARSZ=EARSIZE: A 1 to 9 visual rating of ear size. The
`higher the rating the larger the ear size.
`EBTSTK=EARLY BRITTLE STALK: A count of the
`
`numberof “snapped”plants per plot following severe winds
`when the corn plant is experiencing very rapid vegetative
`growth in the V5-V8 stage. Expressed as percent of plants
`that did not snap. Data are collected only when sufficient
`selection pressure exists in the experiment measured.
`ECB1 LF=EUROPEAN CORN BORER FIRST GEN-
`
`ERATION LEAF FEEDING (Ostrinia nubilalis): A 1 to 9
`visual rating indicating the resistance to preflowering leaf
`feeding by first generation European Corn Borer. A higher
`score indicates a higher resistance. Data are collected only
`when sufficient selection pressure exists in the experiment
`measured.
`ECB2IT=EUROPEAN CORN BORER SECOND GEN-
`
`CROSS POLLINATION:Fertilization by the union of
`two gametes from different plants.
`CROSSING: The combination of genetic material by
`traditional methods such as a breeding cross or backcross,
`
`65
`
`ERATION INCHES OF TUNNELING(Ostrinia nubilalis):
`Average inches of tunneling per plant in the stalk. Data are
`collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`
`

`

`US 10,028,464 B1
`
`7
`ECB2SC=EUROPEAN CORN BORER SECOND GEN-
`
`ERATION (Ostrinia nubilalis): A 1 to 9 visual rating indi-
`cating post flowering degree of stalk breakage and other
`evidence of feeding by second generation European Corn
`Borer. A higher score indicates a higher resistance. Data are
`collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`ECBDPE=EUROPEAN CORN BORER DROPPED
`
`EARS (Ostrinia nubilalis): Dropped ears due to European
`Corn Borer. Percentage ofplants that did not drop ears under
`second generation European Corn Borer infestation. Data
`are collected only whensufficient selection pressure exists in
`the experiment measured.
`ECBLSI=EUROPEAN CORN BORER LATE SEASON
`
`INTACT(Ostrinia nubilalis): A 1 to 9 visual rating indicat-
`ing late season intactness of the corn plant given damage
`(stalk breakage above and below the top ear) caused pri-
`marily by 2” and/or 3” generation ECB larval feeding
`before harvest. A higher score is good and indicates more
`intact plants. Data are collected only when sufficient selec-
`tion pressure exists in the experiment measured.
`EGRWTH=EARLY GROWTH: This is a measure of the
`
`relative height and size of a cor seedling at the 2-4 leaf
`stage of growth. This is a visual rating (1 to 9), with 1 being
`weak or slow growth, 5 being average growth and 9 being
`strong growth. Taller plants, wider leaves, more green mass
`and darker color constitute higher score. Data are collected
`only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the experi-
`ment measured.
`
`ERTLDG=EARLY ROOT LODGING:Thepercentage of
`plants that do not root lodge prior to or around anthesis;
`plants that lean from the vertical axis at an approximately 30
`degree angle or greater would be counted as root lodged.
`Data are collected only when sufficient selection pressure
`exists in the experiment measured.
`ERTLPN=EARLY ROOT LODGING:An estimate of the
`percentage of plants that do not root lodgeprior to or around
`anthesis; plants that lean from the vertical axis at an approxi-
`mately 30 degree angle or greater would be considered as
`root lodged. Data are collected only when sufficient selec-
`tion pressure exists in the experiment measured.
`ERTLSC=EARLY ROOT LODGING SCORE:Score for
`
`lean from a vertical axis at an
`severity of plants that
`approximate 30 degree angle or greater which typically
`results from strong winds prior to or around flowering
`recorded within 2 weeks of a wind event. Expressed as a 1
`to 9 score with 9 being no lodging. Data are collected only
`when sufficient selection pressure exists in the experiment
`measured.
`ESSENTIAL AMINO ACIDS: Amino acids that cannot
`be synthesized by an organism and therefore must be sup-
`plied in the diet.
`ESTCNT=EARLY STAND COUNT:This is a measure of
`
`the stand establishment in the spring and represents the
`numberofplants that emerge on perplot basis for the inbred
`or hybrid.
`EXPRESSING: Having the genetic potential such that
`under the right conditions, the phenotypic trait is present.
`EXTSTR=EXTRACTABLE STARCH: Near-infrared
`transmission spectroscopy, NIT, prediction of extractable
`starch.
`EYESPT=EYE SPOT(Kabatiella zeae or Aureobasidium
`zeae): A1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Eye
`Spot. A higher score indicates a higher resistance. Data are
`collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`
`30
`
`40
`
`45
`
`50
`
`8
`FATTY ACID: A carboxylic acid (or organic acid), often
`with a long aliphatic tail (long chains), either saturated or
`unsaturated.
`
`F1 PROGENY:A progeny plant produced by crossing a
`plant of one maize line with a plant of another maize line.
`FUSERS=FUSARIUM EAR ROT SCORE (Fusarium
`moniliforme or Fusarium subglutinans): A 1
`to 9 visual
`rating indicating the resistance to Fusarium Ear Rot. A
`higher score indicates a higher resistance. Data are collected
`only whensufficient selection pressure exists in the experi-
`ment measured.
`
`GDU=GROWING DEGREE UNITS: Using the Barger
`Heat Unit Theory, which assumes that maize growth occurs
`in the temperature range 50 degrees F.-86 degrees F. andthat
`temperatures outside this range slow down growth;
`the
`maximum daily heat unit accumulation is 36 and the mini-
`mum daily heat unit accumulation is 0. The seasonal accu-
`mulation of GDU is a major factor in determining maturity
`zones.
`
`GDUSHD=GDU TO SHED: The number of growing
`degree units (GDUs) or heat units required for an inbred
`variety or hybrid to have approximately 50 percent of the
`plants shedding pollen and is measured from the time of
`planting. Growing degree units are calculated by the Barger
`Method, where the heat units for a 24-hour period are:
`
`GDU
`
`(Max.
`
`temp.+Min.
`2
`
`temp.)
`
`50
`
`The units determined by the Barger Method are then
`divided by 10. The highest maximum temperature used is 86
`degrees F. and the lowest minimum temperature used is 50
`degrees F. For each inbred or hybrid it takes a certain
`number of GDUsto reach various stages of plant develop-
`ment.
`
`GDUSLK=GDU TO SILK: The number of growing
`degree units required for an inbred variety or hybrid to have
`approximately 50 percent of the plants with silk emergence
`from time of planting. Growing degree units are calculated
`by the Barger Method as given in GDUSHDdefinition and
`then divided by 10.
`GENE SILENCING:Theinterruption or suppression of
`the expression of a gene at the level of transcription or
`translation.
`
`GENOTYPE: Refers to the genetic mark-up or profile of
`a cell or organism.
`GIBERS=GIBBERELLA EAR ROT (PINK MOLD)
`(Gibberella zeae): A 1
`to 9 visual rating indicating the
`resistance to Gibberella Ear Rot. A higher score indicates a
`higher resistance. Data are collected only when sufficient
`selection pressure exists in the experiment measured.
`GIBROT=G/BBERELLA STALK ROT SCORE: Score of
`stalk rot severity due to Gibberella (Gibberella zeae).
`Expressed as a 1 to 9 score with 9 being highly resistant.
`Data are collected only when sufficient selection pressure
`exists in the experiment measured.
`GLFSPT=GRAY LEAF SPOT (Cercospora zeae-may-
`dis): A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Gray
`Leaf Spot. A higher score indicates a higher resistance. Data
`are collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists in
`the experiment measured.
`(Corynebacterium
`WILT
`GOSWLT=GOSS’
`nebraskense): A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance
`to Goss’ Wilt. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.
`
`

`

`US 10,028,464 B1
`
`9
`Data are collected only when sufficient selection pressure
`exists in the experiment measured.
`GRAIN TEXTURE:A visual rating used to indicate the
`appearance of mature grain observed in the middle third of
`the uppermost ear when well developed. Grain or seed with
`a hard grain texture is indicated as flint; grain or seed with
`a soft grain texture is indicted as dent. Medium grain or seed
`texture may be indicatedas flint-dent or intermediate. Other
`grain textures include flint-like, dent-like, sweet, pop, waxy
`and flour.
`to 9
`GRNAPP=GRAIN APPEARANCE: This is a 1
`rating for the general appearance of the shelled