US011632928B1
`
`a2) United States Patent
`US 11,632,928 B1
`(10) Patent No.:
`
` Stirling (45) Date of Patent: Apr. 25, 2023
`
`
`(54) MAIZE INBRED PH4CR8
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`(71) Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED
`INTERNATIONAL, INC., Johnston,
`JA (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Leah Viesselmann Stirling, Spring
`Valley, IL (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED
`INTERNATIONAL, INC.
`
`.
`(*) Notice:
`
`.
`.
`.
`.
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 34 days.
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 17/366,106
`
`(22)
`
`4.
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 2, 2021
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`8,252,991 Bl
`8/2012 Ross
`8,907,160 Bl
`12/2014 Verde Chifflet
`10,687,499 BI*
`6/2020 Ross we AOLH 6/4684
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`U.S. Appl. No. 63/230,870 for Maize Hybrid X18T162,filed Aug.
`9, 2021.
`U.S. Appl. No. 17/377,879 for Maize Hybrid X08R676, filed Jul.
`16, 2021.
`U.S. Appl. No. 17/377,568 for Maize Hybrid X13R074, filed Jul.
`16, 2021.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner — Cathy Kingdon Worley
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A novel maize variety designated PH4CR8andseed, plants
`and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing
`a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH4CR8 with
`Pp
`Pp
`Pp
`g
`another maize plant are provided. Methods for
`producing
`a
`maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more
`traits introgressed into PH4CR8through backcross conver-
`sion and/or transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and
`plant part produced thereby are provided. Hybrid maize
`seed, plants or plant parts are produced by crossing the
`variety PH4CR8 or a locus conversion of PH4CR8 with
`another maize variety.
`
`(51)
`
`(2018.01)
`(2018.01)
`
`Int. CL
`AOLH 6/46
`AOL 5/10
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC vices AOIH 6/4684 (2018.05); AOLH 5/19
`(2013.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`20 Claims, No Drawings
`
`Inari Exhibit 1094
`Inari Exhibit 1094
`Inari v. Pioneer
`Inari v. Pioneer
`
`

`

`US 11,632,928 B1
`
`1
`MAIZE INBRED PH4CR8
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`There are numerous steps in the development of any
`novel, desirable maize variety. Plant breeding begins with
`the analysis and definition of problems and weaknesses of
`the current germ plasm,the establishment of program goals,
`and the definition of specific breeding objectives. The next
`step is selection of germplasm that possess the traits to meet
`the program goals. The breeder’s goal is to combine in a
`single variety or hybrid, various desirable traits. For field
`crops, these traits may include resistance to diseases and
`insects, resistance to heat and drought, reducing the time to
`crop maturity, greater yield, altered fatty acid profile, abiotic
`stress tolerance, improvements in compositionaltraits, and
`better agronomic characteristics and quality.
`These product development processes, which lead to the
`final step of marketing and distribution, can take from six to
`twelve years from the timethe first cross is made until the
`finished seed is delivered to the farmer for planting. There-
`fore, development of new varieties and hybrids is a time-
`consuming process. A continuing goal of maize breeders is
`to develop stable, high yielding maize varieties and hybrids
`that are agronomically sound with maximal yield over one
`or more different conditions and environments.
`
`SUMMARY
`
`Provided is a novel maize, Zea mays L., variety, desig-
`nated PH4CR8 and processes for making PH4CR8. Seed of
`maize variety PH4CR8, plants of maize variety PH4CR8,
`plant parts and cells of maize variety PH4CR8, and to
`processes for making a maize plant that comprise crossing
`maize variety PH4CR8 with another maize plant are pro-
`vided. Also provided are maize plants having all the physi-
`ological and morphological characteristics of the inbred
`maize variety PH4CR8.
`Processes are provided for making a maize plant contain-
`ing in its genetic material one or moretraits introgressed into
`PH4CR8 through one or more of backcross conversion,
`genetic manipulation and transformation, and to the maize
`seed, plant and plant parts produced thereby. Hybrid maize
`seed, plants or plant parts produced by crossing the variety
`PH4CR8or a locus conversion of PH4CR8 with another
`
`maize variety are also provided.
`The inbred maize plant may further comprise a cytoplas-
`mic or nuclear factor capable of conferring male sterility or
`otherwise preventing self-pollination, such as by self-incom-
`patibility. Parts of the maize plant described herein are also
`provided, for example, pollen obtained from an inbred plant
`and an ovule of the inbred plant.
`Seed of the inbred maize variety PH4CR8 is provided.
`The inbred maize seed may be an essentially homogeneous
`population of inbred maize seed of the variety designated
`PH4CR8. Essentially homogeneous populations of inbred
`seed are generally free from substantial numbers of other
`seed. Therefore, inbred seed generally forms at least about
`97% of the total seed. The population of inbred maize seed
`maybe particularly defined as being essentially free from
`hybrid seed. The inbred seed population may be separately
`grownto provide an essentially homogeneous population of
`inbred maize plants designated PH4CR8.
`Compositions are provided comprising a seed of maize
`variety PH4CR8 comprised in plant seed growth media. In
`certain embodiments, the plant seed growth media is a soil
`or synthetic cultivation medium. In specific embodiments,
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`the growth medium may be comprised in a container or may,
`for example, be soil in a field.
`Maize variety PH4CR8 comprising an added heritable
`trait is provided. The heritable tratt may comprise a genetic
`locus that
`is a dominant or recessive allele. In certain
`
`embodiments, a plant of maize variety PH4CR8 comprising
`a single locus conversion is provided. The locus conversion
`may be one which confers one or moretraits such as, for
`example, male sterility, herbicide tolerance,
`insect resis-
`tance, disease resistance (including, for example) bacterial,
`fungal, nematode or viral disease, waxy starch, modified
`fatty acid metabolism, modified phytic acid metabolism,
`modified carbohydrate metabolism and modified protein
`metabolism is provided. The trait may be, for example,
`conferred by a naturally occurring maize gene introduced
`into the genomeofthe variety by backcrossing, a natural or
`induced mutation, or a transgene introduced through genetic
`transformation techniques. When introduced through trans-
`formation, a genetic locus may comprise one or more
`transgenes integrated at a single chromosomallocation.
`An inbred maize plant of the variety designated PH4CR8
`is provided, wherein a cytoplasm ically-inherited trait has
`been introduced into the inbred plant. Such cytoplasm
`ically-inherited traits are passed to progeny through the
`female parent in a particular cross. An exemplary cytoplasm
`ically-inherited trait is the male sterility trait. Cytoplasmic-
`male sterility (CMS) is a pollen abortion phenomenon
`determined 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 malesterile in the next generation. The male
`fertility of a CMSplant can be restored by a restorer version
`of the same variety, which has 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
`PH4CR8is 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 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 all the physiological
`and morphological characteristics of variety PH4CR8 are
`also provided.
`Processes are provided for producing maize seeds or
`plants, which processes generally comprise crossing a first
`parent maize plant as a male or female parent with a second
`parent maize plant, wherein at least one ofthefirst or second
`parent maize plants is a plant of the variety designated
`PH4CR8. These processes may be further exemplified as
`processes for preparing hybrid maize seed or plants, wherein
`
`

`

`US 11,632,928 B1
`
`3
`a first inbred maize plant is crossed with a second maize
`plant of a different, distinct variety to provide a hybrid that
`has, as one of its parents, the inbred maize plant variety
`PH4CR8. 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, such as in pollinating proximity, seeds of a
`first and second parent maize plant, and preferably, seeds of
`a first inbred maize plant and a second,distinct inbred maize
`plant. Where the plants are not in pollinating proximity,
`pollination can be achieved by transferring a pollen or tassel
`bag from one plant to the other as described below.
`Asecondstep comprises cultivating or growing the seeds
`of said first and second parent maize plants into plants that
`bear flowers—imale flowers (tassels) and female flowers
`(silks).
`A third step comprises preventing self-pollination of the
`plants,
`i.c., preventing the silks of a plant from being
`fertilized by any plant of the same variety, including the
`same plant. This can be done by emasculating the male
`flowers of the first or second parent maize plant,
`(1.e.,
`treating or manipulating the tassels so as to prevent pollen
`production, to produce an emasculated parent maize plant).
`Self-incompatibility systems may also be used in some
`hybrid crops for the same purpose. Self-incompatible plants
`still 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 not in pollinating proximity, this is done
`by placing a bag, usually paper or glassine, over the tassels
`of the first plant and another bag over the 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.
`Also provided are maize seed and plants 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 PH4CR8. In one embodiment, maize seed and
`plants produced by the process are first generation (F1)
`hybrid maize seed and plants produced by crossing an inbred
`with another, distinct plant such as another inbred. Seed of
`an F1 hybrid maize plant and an F1 hybrid maize plant and
`seed thereof are provided.
`The genetic complement of the maize plant variety des-
`ignated PH4CR8is provided. The phrase “genetic comple-
`ment” is used to refer to the aggregate of nucleotide
`sequences, the expression of which sequences defines the
`phenotype of, in the present case, a maize plant, or a cell or
`tissue of that plant. A genetic complement thus represents
`the genetic make-up of an inbredcell, tissue or plant, and a
`hybrid genetic complement represents the genetic make-up
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`4
`of a hybrid cell, tissue or plant. Maize plant cells that have
`a genetic complement in accordance with the inbred maize
`plant cells disclosed herein, and plants, seeds and diploid
`plants containing such cells are provided.
`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 PH4CR8 could be identified by any of the many
`well-known techniques used for genetic profiling disclosed
`herein.
`In another aspect, hybrid genetic complements are pro-
`vided, as represented by maize plant cells, tissues, plants,
`and seeds, formed by the combination of a haploid genetic
`complementof an inbred maize plant disclosed herein with
`a haploid genetic complement of a second maize plant, such
`as, another, distinct inbred maize plant. In another aspect, a
`maize plant regenerated from a tissue culture that comprises
`a hybrid genetic complement of the inbred maize plant
`disclosed herein.
`Methodsof producing an inbred maize plant derived from
`the maize variety PH4CR8are provided, the method com-
`prising the steps of: (a) preparing a progeny plant derived
`from maize variety PH4CR8, wherein said preparing com-
`prises crossing a plant of the maize variety PH4CR8 with a
`second maize plant;
`(b) crossing the progeny plant with
`itself or a second plant to produce a seed of a progeny plant
`of a subsequent generation; (c) repeating steps (a) and (b)
`with sufficient inbreeding until a seed of an inbred maize
`plant derived from the variety PH4CR8is produced. In the
`method,
`it may be desirable to select particular plants
`resulting from step (c) for continued crossing according to
`steps (b) and (c). By selecting plants having one or more
`desirable traits, an inbred maize plant derived from the
`maize variety PH4CR8is obtained which possesses some of
`the desirable traits of maize variety PH4CR8 as well as
`potentially other selectedtraits.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`A new and distinctive maize inbred variety designated
`PH4CR8, which has been the result of years of careful
`breeding and selection in a comprehensive maize breeding
`program is provided.
`Definitions
`
`Maize (Zea mays) can be referred to as maize or corn.
`Certain definitions used in the specification are provided
`below.In order to provide a clear and consistent understand-
`ing 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. % NOTdesignates the percentage 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.
`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.
`
`

`

`US 11,632,928 B1
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`5
`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.
`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=ANTHRACNOSESTALK ROT (Colletotri-
`chum graminicola): A 1
`to 9 visual rating indicating the
`resistance to Anthracnose Stalk Rot. A higherscore indicates
`a higher resistance. Data are collected only when sufficient
`selection pressure exists.
`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
`one 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).
`BORBMN=ARTIFICIAL BRITTLE STALK MEAN:
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`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.
`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.
`DIPLOID PLANTPART:Refersto a plant part or cell that
`has a same diploid genotype.
`DIPROT=Diplodia STALK ROT SCORE: Score ofstalk
`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.
`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.
`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.
`EARHT=EDEARHT=EARHEIGHT:Theear height is a
`measure from the groundto the highest placed developed ear
`node attachment and is measured in inches (EARHT) or cm
`(EDEARHT).
`EARSZ=EARSIZE: A 1 to 9 visual rating of ear size. The
`higher the rating the larger the ear size.
`EDANTCOLs=ANTHER COLOR: Rated on a 1
`
`to 7
`
`The mean percentof plants 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.
`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.
`CELL: Cell as used herein includes a plant cell, whether
`isolated, in tissue culture or incorporated in a plant or plant
`part.
`ATION AT BASE (WHOLE PLANT, EAR INSERTION
`CLDTST=COLD TEST: The percent of plants that ger-
`minate under cold test conditions.
`LEVEL): A measure of the color intensity at the base of the
`45
`CLN=CORN LETHAL NECROSIS: Synergistic interac- glume, rated ona1 to 9 scale where1 is absent or very weak,
`
`tion of maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV)in combina-
`3 is weak, 5 is medium, 7 is strong, and 9 is very strong.
`Observedin the middle third of the main branchofthetassel.
`tion with either maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV-A or
`EDBARCOLs=BAR GLUME COLOR INTENSITY: A
`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.
`CMSMT=COMMON SMUT:This is the percentage of
`plants not infected with Common Smut. Data are collected
`only when sufficient selection pressure exists.
`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.
`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,
`but also including protoplast fusion and other molecular
`biology methods of combining genetic material from two
`sources.
`
`35
`
`scale where 1 is green, 2 is yellow, 3 is pink, 5 is red, and
`7 is purple.
`EDANTANTS=ANTHER ANTHOCYANIN COLOR
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`INTENSITY: A measure of anther anthocyanin color inten-
`sity rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is absent or very weak,
`3 is weak, 5 is medium, 7 is strong, and 9 is very strong.
`Observed in the middle third of the main branch on fresh
`anthers.
`EDBARANTS=GLUME ANTHOCYANIN COLOR-
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`measure of the bar glumecolorintensity. Bar glumeis a dark
`purple band that may occur on the bottom of a glume. Bar
`glumecolor intensity is measured on a scale of 1 to 7 where
`1 is absent, 2 is weak, 3 is medium,5 is strong, and 7 is very
`strong.
`EDBRROANTs=BRACE ROOTS ANTHOCYANIN
`
`COLORATION: A measure of the color intensity of the
`brace roots rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is absent or very
`weak, 3 is weak, 5 is medium, 7 is strong, and 9 is very
`strong. Observed when well developed and fresh brace roots
`are present on 50% ofplants.
` ANTHOCYANIN
`EDCOBAINTs=COB
` GLUME
`COLOR INTENSITY: Rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is
`
`absent or very weak, 3 is weak, 5 is medium,7 is strong, and
`9 is very strong. Anthocyanin coloration should be observed
`on the middle third of the uppermost cob, after the removal
`of some of the grains.
`EDCOBCOLs=COB COLOR:A measure ofthe intensity
`of pink or salmon coloration of the cob, rated on a 1 to 9
`
`D/D=DRYDOWN: This represents the relative rate at
`which a hybrid will reach acceptable harvest moisture
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`

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`US 11,632,928 B1
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`scale where 1 is absent or white, 2 is light pink, 3 is pink,
`4 is medium red, 5 is red, 6 is medium red, 7 is dark red, 8
`is dark to very dark red, and 9 is present.
`EDCOBDIA=COB DIAMETER: Measured in mm.
`EDCOBICAs=COB ANTHOCYANIN COLOR INTEN-
`
`SITY: A measure of the intensity of pink or salmon color-
`ation of the cob, rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is very weak,
`3 is weak, 5 is medium, 7 is strong, and 9 is very strong.
`EDEARDIA=EAR DIAMETER: Measured in mm.
`EDEARHULs=EAR HUSK LENGTH:A measure of ear
`
`husk length rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is very short, 3
`is short, 5 is medium, 7 is long, and 9 is very long.
`EDEARLNG=EAR LENGTH: Measured in mm.
`EDEARROW=NUMBER OF ROWS OF GRAIN ON
`EAR.
`
`EDEARSHAs=EAR SHAPE (TAPER): Rated on a 1 to 3
`scale where 1 is conical, 2 is conico-cylindrical, and 3 is
`cylindrical.
`EDEARSHLs=EAR SHANK LENGTH SCALE:A mea-
`
`sure of the length of the ear shank or peduncle, rated on a 1
`to 9 scale where 1 is very short, 3 is short, 5 is medium, 7
`is long, 9 is very long.
`EDFILEANs=SHEATH ANTHOCYANIN COLOR
`INTENSITY AT FIRST LEAF STAGE: A measure of the
`anthocyanin color intensity of the sheath of the first leaf,
`rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is absent or very weak, 3 is
`weak, 5 is medium, 7 is strong, and 9 is very strong.
`EDFILECOs=FOLIAGE INTENSITY OF GREEN
`
`COLOR:A measure of the green coloration intensity in the
`leaves, rated on a 1 to 3 scale where 1 is light, 2 is medium,
`and 3 is dark.
`EDFILESHs=LEAF TIP SHAPE: An indication of the
`
`shape of the apex of the first leaf, rated on a 1 to 5 scale
`where 1 is pointed, 2 is pointed to rounded, 3 is rounded, 4
`is rounded to spatulate, and 5 is spatulate.
`EDGLUANTs=GLUME ANTHOCYANIN COLOR
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`EXCLUDING BASE: A measure of the color intensity of
`the glume excluding the base, rated on a 1 to 9 scale where
`1 is absent or very weak, 3 is weak, 5 is medium,7 is strong,
`and 9 is very strong. Observed in the middle third of the
`main branch ofthe tassel.
`EDGLUCOLs=GLUMECOLOR:Rated on a 1 to 7 scale
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`where 1 is green, 2 is yellow, 3 is pink, 5 is red, and 7 is
`purple.
`EDKERDOCs=DORSAL SIDE OF GRAIN COLOR:
`
`45
`
`8
`recurved, 5 is moderately recurved, 7 is strongly recurved,
`and 9 is very strongly recurved. Observed on the leaf just
`above the upper ear.
`EDLEALNGs=LEAF LENGTH SCORE: A measure of
`leaf length rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 indicates <0.70
`m,3 indicates 0.70 m to 0.80 m, 5 indicates 0.80 m to 0.90
`m, 7 indicates 0.90 m to 1 m, and 9 indicates >1.00 m.
`EDLEAWID=LEAF WIDTH OF BLADE:A measure of
`the average leaf width in Cm.
`EDLELIANTs=LEAF LIMB ANTHOCYANIN COLOR
`INTENSITY OF ENTIRE PLANT: A measure of the leaf
`limb anthocyanin coloration, rated on a 1 to 9 scale with 1
`being absent or very weak, 3 being weak, 5 being medium,
`7 being strong, and 9 being very strong.
`EDNODANTS=NODES ANTHOCYANIN COLOR
`
`INTENSITY: A measure of the anthocyanin coloration of
`nodes, rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is absent or very weak,
`3 is weak, 5 is medium, 7 is strong, and 9 is very strong.
`EDRATIOEP=RATIO HEIGHT OF INSERTION OF
`PEDUNCLE OF UPPER EAR TO PLANT LENGTH.
`EDSHEAHAs=LEAF SHEATH HAIRNESS SCALE:
`Rated on a 1
`to 6 scale where 1
`indicates none and 6
`indicates fuzzy.
`EDSHEAANTs=SHEATH ANTHOCYANIN COLOR
`INTENSITY: Rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is absent or
`very weak, 3 is weak, 5 is medium,7 is strong, and 9 is very
`strong.
`EDSLKAINTs=SILK
`
`=ANTHOCYANIN
`
`COLOR
`
`INTENSITY: A measure of the color intensity of the silks,
`rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is absent or very weak, 3 is
`weak, 5 is medium, 7 is strong, and 9 is very strong.
`EDSTLANTs=INTERNODE ANTHOCYANIN COLOR
`
`INTENSITY:A measure of anthocyanin coloration of nodes,
`rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is absent or very weak, 3 is
`weak, 5 is medium, 7 is strong, and 9 is very strong.
`Observed just above the insertion point of the peduncle of
`the upperear.
`EDTAIRYATs=TASSEL LATERAL BRANCH CURVA-
`TURE: Rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 indicates absent or
`very slightly recurved (<5 degrees), 3 indicates slightly
`recurved (6 to 37 degrees), 5 indicates moderately recurved
`(38 to 62 degrees), 7 indicates strongly recurved (63 to 90
`degrees), and 9 indicates very strongly recurved (>90
`degrees). Observed on the second branch from the bottom of
`the tassel.
`EDTAIRYBRs=NUMBER OF PRIMARY LATERAL
`TASSEL BRANCHES: Rated on a 1
`to 9 scale where 1
`
`Rated on a 1 to 10 scale where 1 is white, 2 is yellowish
`indicates absent or very few (<4 branches), 3 indicates few
`white, 3 is yellow, 4 is yellow orange, 5 is orange, 6 is red
`(4 to 10), 5 indicates medium (11 to 15), 7 indicates many
`orange, 7 is red, 8 is purple, 9 is brownish, and 10 is blue
`(16 to 20), and 9 indicates very many (>20).
`black. Observed in the middle third of the uppermost ear
`EDTASAHB=LENGTH OF MAIN AXIS ABOVE
`when well developed.
`EDKERSHAs=KERNEL SHAPE: Rated ona1 to 3 scale
`HIGHEST LATERAL BRANCH: Length of the tassel’s
`main axis above the highest lateral branch in cm.
`EDTASANGs=TASSEL ANGLE BETWEEN MAIN
`AXIS AND LATERAL BRANCHES: Rated on a 1
`to 9
`scale where 1 is very small (<5 degrees), 3 is small (6 to 37
`degrees), 5 is medium (38 to 62 degrees), 7 is large (63 to
`90 degrees), and 9 is very large (>90 degrees). Observed on
`second branch from bottom oftassel.
`EDTASEBRs=SECONDARY TASSEL BRANCHES
`
`where 1 is round, 2 is kidney-shaped, and 3 is cuneiform.
`EDKERTCOs=TOP OF GRAIN COLOR:Rated on a 1 to
`
`10 scale where 1 is white, 2 is yellowish white, 3 is yellow,
`4 is yellow orange, 5 is orange, 6 is red orange, 7 is red, 8
`is purple, 9 is brownish, and 10 is blue black. Observed in
`the middle third of the uppermost ear when well developed.
`EDLEAANGs=LEAF ANGLE BETWEEN BLADE
`
`AND STEM:A measure of the angle formed between stem
`and leaf, rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is very small (<5
`degrees), 3 is small (6 to 37 degrees), 5 is medium (38 to 62
`degrees), 7 is large (63 to 90 degrees), and 9 is very large
`(>90 degrees). Observed on the leafjust above the upperear.
`EDLEAATTs=LEAF ATTITUDE OF ENTIRE PLANT:
`A measureofleaf curvatureorattitude, rated on a 1 to 9 scale
`where 1
`is absent or very slightly recurved, 3 is slightly
`
`(NUMBER): The number of secondary tassel branches,
`rated on a 1 to 7 scale where 1 indicates 0 to 3 branches, 2
`indicates 4 to 10, 3 indicates 11 to 15, 5 indicates 16 to 20,
`and 7 indicates >20.
`EDTASLPBRs=PRIMARY
`
`BRANCH
`
`TASSEL
`
`LENGTH: A measure ofthe length of the primary orlateral
`tassel branch, rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is very short,
`
`

`

`US 11,632,928 B1
`
`9
`3 is short, 5 is medium,7 is long, 9 is very long. Observed
`on the second branch from the bottom of the tassel.
`EDTASULB=LENGTH OF MAIN AXIS ABOVE LOW-
`
`EST LATERAL BRANCH: Thelength of the tassel’s main
`axis above the lowest lateral branch in cm.
`EDZIGZAGs=DEGREE OF STEM ZIG-ZAG: Rated on
`
`a scale of 1 to 3 where 1 is absentor very slight, 2 is slight,
`and 3 is strong.
`EGRWTH=EARLY GROWTH: This is a measure of the
`
`relative height and size of a corn 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.
`ERTLPN=EARLY ROOT LODGING: Anestimate 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° angle or greater would be considered as root
`lodged. Data are collected only when sufficient selection
`pressure exists.
`ERTLSC=EARLY ROOT LODGING SCORE: Score for
`severity of plants that
`lean from a vertical axis at an
`approximate 30° 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.
`ESTCNT=EARLY STAND COUNT:Thisis a measure of
`the stand establishment in the spring and represents the
`numberof plants that emerge on perplot basis for the inbred
`or hybrid.
`EYESPT=EYESPOT(Kabatiella zeae or Aureobasidium
`zeae): A 1 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.
`Fl PROGENY:A progeny plant produced by crossing a
`plant of one maize line with a plant of another maizeline.
`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 when sufficient selection pressure exists.
`GDU=GROWING DEGREE UNITS: Using the Barger
`Heat Unit Theory, which assumes that maize growth occurs
`in the temperature range 50° F.-86° F. and that temperatures
`outside this range slow down growth; the maximum daily
`heat unit accumulation is 36 and the minimum daily heat
`unit accumulation is 0. The seasonal accumulation of GDU
`is a major factor in determining maturity zones.
`GDUSHD=EDDAYSH=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 fo