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`US010681888Bl
`
`c12) United States Patent
`Longenberger
`
`US 10,681,888 Bl
`(10) Patent No.:
`Jun.16,2020
`(45) Date of Patent:
`
`(54) MAIZE INBRED PH47K2
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`
`(71) Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED
`INTERNATIONAL, INC., Johnston,
`IA (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Polly Suzanne Longenberger,
`Manheim, PA (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: PINOEER HI-BRED
`INTERNATIONAL, INC.IA (US)
`
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`6,747,194 B2 * 6/2004 Koehring ................. A0lH 5/02
`435/412
`
`8,044,282 Bl
`8,759,636 Bl
`
`10/2011 Smalley
`6/2014 Smalley
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`U.S. Appl. No. 16/509,944 for Maize Hybrid X08N769, filed Jul.
`12, 2019.
`
`( * ) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term of this
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by O days.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`Primary Examiner Matthew R Keogh
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 16/441,152
`
`(22) Filed:
`
`Jun. 14, 2019
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`AOJH 6/46
`AOJH 5110
`(52) U.S. Cl.
`CPC ............. AOJH 6/4684 (2018.05); AOJH 5110
`(2013.01)
`
`(2018.01)
`(2018.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`ABSTRACT
`(57)
`A novel maize variety designated PH47K2 and seed, plants
`and plant parts thereof are provided. Methods for producing
`a maize plant comprise crossing maize variety PH4 7K2 with
`another maize plant are provided. Methods for producing a
`maize plant containing in its genetic material one or more
`traits introgressed into PH47K2 through backcross conver(cid:173)
`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 PH47K2 or a locus conversion of PH47K2 with
`another maize variety.
`
`20 Claims, No Drawings
`
`Inari Exhibit 1007
`Inari v. Pioneer
`
`

`

`US 10,681,888 B 1
`
`1
`MAIZE INBRED PH47K2
`
`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 compositional traits, 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 time the first cross is made until the
`finished seed is delivered to the farmer for planting. There(cid:173)
`fore, development of new varieties and hybrids is a time(cid:173)
`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(cid:173)
`nated PH47K2 and processes for making PH47K2. Seed of
`maize variety PH47K2, plants of maize variety PH47K2,
`plant parts and cells of maize variety PH47K2, and to
`processes for making a maize plant that comprise crossing
`maize variety PH47K2 with another maize plant are pro(cid:173)
`vided. Also provided are maize plants having all the physi(cid:173)
`ological and morphological characteristics of the inbred
`maize variety PH47K2.
`Processes are provided for making a maize plant contain(cid:173)
`ing in its genetic material one or more traits introgressed into
`PH47K2 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
`PH47K2 or a locus conversion of PH47K2 with another
`maize variety are also provided.
`The inbred maize plant may further comprise a cytoplas(cid:173)
`mic or nuclear factor capable of conferring male sterility or
`otherwise preventing self-pollination, such as by self-incom(cid:173)
`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 PH47K2 is provided.
`The inbred maize seed may be an essentially homogeneous
`population of inbred maize seed of the variety designated
`PH47K2. 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
`may be particularly defined as being essentially free from
`hybrid seed. The inbred seed population may be separately
`grown to provide an essentially homogeneous population of
`inbred maize plants designated PH47K2.
`Compositions are provided comprising a seed of maize
`variety PH47K2 comprised in plant seed growth media. In
`certain embodiments, the plant seed growth media is a soil
`or synthetic cultivation medium. In specific embodiments,
`
`2
`the growth medium may be comprised in a container or may,
`for example, be soil in a field.
`Maize variety PH47K2 comprising an added heritable
`trait is provided. The heritable trait may comprise a genetic
`locus that is a dominant or recessive allele. In certain
`embodiments, a plant of maize variety PH47K2 comprising
`a single locus conversion is provided. The locus conversion
`may be one which confers one or more traits such as, for
`example, male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resis-
`10 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,
`15 conferred by a naturally occurring maize gene introduced
`into the genome of the variety by backcrossing, a natural or
`induced mutation, or a trans gene introduced through genetic
`transformation techniques. When introduced through trans(cid:173)
`formation, a genetic locus may comprise one or more
`20 transgenes integrated at a single chromosomal location.
`An inbred maize plant of the variety designated PH47K2
`is provided, wherein a cytoplasmically-inherited trait has
`been introduced into the inbred plant. Such cytoplasmically(cid:173)
`inherited traits are passed to progeny through the female
`25 parent in a particular cross. An exemplary cytoplasmically(cid:173)
`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
`30 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 CMS plant can be pollinated by a maintainer
`version of the same variety, which has a normal cytoplasm
`35 but lacks the restorer gene(s) in the nucleus, and continues
`to be male sterile in the next generation. The male fertility
`of a CMS plant 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 offspring of the
`40 male-sterile plant can produce normal pollen grains and
`propagate. A cytoplasmically inherited trait may be a natu(cid:173)
`rally occurring maize trait or a trait introduced through
`genetic transformation techniques.
`A tissue culture of regenerable cells of a plant of variety
`45 PH47K2 is provided. The tissue culture can be capable of
`regenerating plants capable of expressing all of the physi(cid:173)
`ological and morphological or phenotypic characteristics of
`the variety, and of regenerating plants having substantially
`the same genotype as other plants of the variety. Examples
`50 of some of the physiological and morphological character(cid:173)
`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,
`55 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 PH47K2 are
`60 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 of the first or second
`65 parent maize plants is a plant of the variety designated
`PH47K2. These processes may be further exemplified as
`processes for preparing hybrid maize seed or plants, wherein
`
`

`

`US 10,681,888 B 1
`
`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
`PH47K2. 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(cid:173)
`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.
`A second step comprises cultivating or growing the seeds
`of said first and second parent maize plants into plants that
`bear flowers-male flowers (tassels) and female flowers
`(silks).
`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
`same plant. This can be done by emasculating the male
`flowers of the first or second parent maize plant, (i.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 25
`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 30
`occur between the first and second parent maize plants.
`When the 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 second plant. The bags are left in place 35
`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 of the first
`plant is dead, and that the only pollen transferred comes
`from the first plant. The pollen bag over the tassel of the first 40
`plant is then shaken vigorously to enhance release of pollen
`from the tassels, and the shoot bag is removed from the silks
`of the incipient ear on the second plant. Finally, the pollen
`bag is removed from the tassel of the first plant and is placed
`over the silks of the incipient ear of the second plant, shaken 45
`again and left 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 50
`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 PH47K2. In one embodiment, maize seed and
`plants produced by the process are first generation (Fl) 55
`hybrid maize seed and plants produced by crossing an inbred
`with another, distinct plant such as another inbred. Seed of
`an Fl hybrid maize plant and an Fl hybrid maize plant and
`seed thereof are provided.
`The genetic complement of the maize plant variety des- 60
`ignated PH47K2 is provided. The phrase "genetic comple(cid:173)
`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 65
`the genetic make-up of an inbred cell, tissue or plant, and a
`hybrid genetic complement represents the genetic make-up
`
`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
`marker profiles, 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 PH47K2 could be identified by any of the many
`10 well-known techniques used for genetic profiling disclosed
`herein.
`In another aspect, hybrid genetic complements are pro(cid:173)
`vided, as represented by maize plant cells, tissues, plants,
`and seeds, formed by the combination of a haploid genetic
`15 complement of 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
`20 disclosed herein.
`Methods of producing an inbred maize plant derived from
`the maize variety PH47K2 are provided, the method com(cid:173)
`prising the steps of: (a) preparing a progeny plant derived
`from maize variety PH47K2, wherein said preparing com(cid:173)
`prises crossing a plant of the maize variety PH47K2 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 PH47K2 is 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 PH47K2 is obtained which possesses some of
`the desirable traits of maize variety PH47K2 as well as
`potentially other selected traits.
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`A new and distinctive maize inbred variety designated
`PH47K2, 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 com.
`Certain definitions used in the specification are provided
`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(cid:173)
`age of plants that did not exhibit a trait. For example,
`STKLDG % NOT is 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(cid:173)
`biological sources of stress conferred by traits such as
`nitrogen utilization efficiency, altered nitrogen responsive(cid:173)
`ness, drought resistance, cold, and salt resistance
`ABTSTK=ARTIFICIAL BRITTLE STALK: A count of
`the number of "snapped" plants per plot following machine
`
`

`

`US 10,681,888 B 1
`
`5
`snapping. A snapped plant has its stalk completely snapped
`at a node between the 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 5
`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- 10
`erol or tocotrienols.
`ANT ROT=ANTHRACNOSE STALK ROT (Colletotri(cid:173)
`chum graminicola ): A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the
`resistance to Anthracnose Stalk Rot. A higher score indicates 15
`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 of the 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 25
`one or more times to produce backcross progeny plants that
`comprise said trait or locus.
`BARPLT=BARREN PLANTS: The percent of plants per
`plot that were not barren (lack ears).
`BORBMN=ARTIFICIAL BRITTLE STALK MEAN: 30
`The mean percent of plants not "snapped" in a plot following
`artificial selection pressure. A snapped plant has its stalk
`completely snapped at a node between the base of the plant
`and the node above the ear. Expressed as percent of plants
`that did not snap. A higher number indicates 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 Fl plants could then be
`selfed or sibbed for one, two, three or more times (Fl, F2,
`F3, etc.) until a new inbred variety is developed.
`CELL: Cell as used herein includes a plant cell, whether 45
`isolated, in tissue culture or incorporated in a plant or plant
`part.
`CLDTST=COLD TEST: The percent of plants that ger(cid:173)
`minate under cold test conditions.
`CLN=CORN LETHAL NECROSIS: Synergistic interac- 50
`tion of maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) in combina(cid:173)
`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 Com Lethal Necro-
`sis. A higher score indicates a higher resistance. Data are 55
`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=COMMON RUST (Puccinia sorghi): A 1 to 9 60
`visual rating indicating the resistance to Common Rust. A
`higher score indicates a higher resistance. 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,
`
`6
`but also including protoplast fusion and other molecular
`biology methods of combining genetic material from two
`sources.
`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 that dries 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 PLANT PART: Refers to 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
`20 exists.
`D/T=DROUGHT TOLERANCE: This represents a 1 to 9
`rating for drought tolerance, and is based on data obtained
`under stress conditions. A high score indicates good drought
`tolerance and a low score indicates poor drought tolerance.
`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 may not be predictive for a specific ear mold. Data are
`collected only when sufficient selection pressure exists.
`EARHT=EDEARHT=EAR HEIGHT: The ear height is a
`measure from the ground to the highest placed developed ear
`35 node attachment and is measured in inches (EARHT) or cm
`(EDEARHT).
`EARSZ=EAR SIZE: 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
`40 scale where 1 is green, 2 is yellow, 3 is pink, 5 is red, and
`7 is purple.
`EDantants=ANTHER
`COLOR
`ANTHOCYANIN
`INTENSITY: A measure of anther anthocyanin color inten(cid:173)
`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 COLORATION
`AT BASE (WHOLE PLANT, EAR INSERTION LEVEL):
`A measure of the color intensity at the base of the glume,
`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 of the tassel.
`EDBARCOLs=BAR GLUME COLOR INTENSITY: A
`measure of the bar glume color intensity. Bar glume is a dark
`purple band that may occur on the bottom of a glume. Bar
`glume color 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
`65 are present on 50% of plants.
`EDCOBAINTs=COB
`GLUME
`ANTHOCYANIN
`COLOR INTENSITY: Rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1 is
`
`

`

`US 10,681,888 B 1
`
`10
`
`15
`
`7
`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 of the intensity 5
`of pink or salmon coloration of the cob, rated on a 1 to 9
`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(cid:173)
`SITY: A measure of the intensity of pink or salmon color(cid:173)
`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 20
`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: Amea- 25
`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 40
`is rounded to spatulate, and 5 is spatulate.
`EDGLUANTs=GLUME ANTHOCYANIN COLOR
`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 of the tassel.
`EDGLUCOLs=GLUME COLOR: Rated on a 1 to 7 scale
`where 1 is green, 2 is yellow, 3 is pink, 5 is red, and 7 is
`purple.
`EDKERDOCs=DORSAL SIDE 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.
`EDKERSHAs=KERNEL SHAPE: Rated on a 1 to 3 scale
`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, 60
`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 65
`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
`
`8
`degrees), 7 is large (63 to 90 degrees), and 9 is very
`large (>90 degrees). Observed on the leaf just above the
`upper ear.
`EDLEAATTs=LEAF ATTITUDE OF ENTIRE PLANT:
`A measure ofleaf curvature or attitude, rated on a 1 to 9 scale
`where 1 is absent or very slightly recurved, 3 is slightly
`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 color(cid:173)
`ation, 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:
`30 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
`35 strong.
`EDSLKAINTs=SILK
`COLOR
`ANTHOCYANIN
`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
`45 the upper ear.
`EDTAlRYATs=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
`50 (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.
`EDTAlRYBRs=NUMBER OF PRIMARY LATERAL
`55 TASSEL BRANCHES: Rated on a 1 to 9 scale where 1
`indicates absent or very few ( <4 branches), 3 indicates few
`(4 to 10), 5 indicates medium (11 to 15), 7 indicates many
`(16 to 20), and 9 indicates very many (>20).
`EDTASAHB=LENGTH OF MAIN AXIS ABOVE
`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 of tassel.
`
`

`

`US 10,681,888 B 1
`
`10
`
`GDU = (Max. temp.+Min. temp.) _ SO
`2
`
`9
`EDTASEBRs=SECONDARY TASSEL BRANCHES
`(NUMBER): The number of secondary tassel branches,
`rated on a 1 to 7 scale where 1 indicates O to 3 branches, 2
`indicates 4 to 10, 3 indicates 11 to 15, 5 indicates 16 to 20,
`and 7 indicates >20.
`BRANCH
`TASSEL
`EDTASLPBRs=PRIMARY
`LENGTH: A measure of the length of the primary or lateral
`tassel branch, 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. Observed
`on the second branch from the bottom of the tassel.
`EDTASULB=LENGTH OF MAIN AXIS ABOVE LOW-
`EST LATERAL BRANCH: The length of the tassel's main
`axis above the lowest lateral branch in cm.
`EDZIGZAGs=DEGREE OF STEM ZIG-ZAG: Rated on 15
`a scale of 1 to 3 where 1 is absent or very slight, 2 is slight,
`and 3 is strong.
`EGRWTH=EARLY GROWTH: This is a measure of the
`relative height and size of a com 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: An estimate of the
`percentage of plants that do not root lodge prior to or around
`anthesis; plants that lean from the vertical axis at an approxi(cid:173)
`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: This is a measure of
`the stand establishment in the spring and represents the
`number of plants that emerge on per plot basis for the inbred
`or hybrid.
`EYESPT=EYE SPOT (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 45
`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 maize line