US011758865B1
`
`United States Patent
`(12)
`(io) Patent No.:
`US 11,758,865 B1
`Ross
`(45) Date of Patent:
`Sep. 19, 2023
`
`
`(54) MAIZE HYBRID X13R120
`
`OTHER PUBLICATIONS
`
`(71) Applicant: PIONEER HI-BRED
`INTERNATIONAL,INC., Johnston,
`JA (US)
`
`(72)
`
`Inventor: Andrew Jon Ross, Lisbon, [A (US)
`
`(73) Assignee: PIONEER HI-BRED
`INTERNATIONAL, INC.
`
`U.S. Appl. No. 17/366,079 for Maize Inbred PH4CYJ,filed Jul. 2,
`2021.
`U.S. Appl. No. 17/377,608 for Maize IIybrid X08R678,filed Jul.
`16, 2021.
`USS. Appl. No. 17/077,174 for Maize Hybrid X13P468, filed Oct.
`22, 2020.
`US. Appl. No. 17/077,117 for Maize Hybrid XOSN71S,filed Oct.
`22, 2020.
`
`(*) Notice:
`
`Subject to any disclaimer, the term ofthis
`patent is extended or adjusted under 35
`U.S.C. 154(b) by 126 days.
`
`* cited by examiner
`
`(21) Appl. No.: 17/377,850
`
`(22)
`
`Filed:
`
`Jul. 16, 2021
`
`Primary Examiner — Cathy Kingdon Worley
`
`(57)
`
`ABSTRACT
`
`(51)
`
`Int. Cl.
`AOIH 6/46
`AOLH 5/10
`(52) US. Cl.
`CPC oe AOIH 6/4684 (2018.05); AOLH 5/10
`(2013.01)
`
`(2018.01)
`(2018.01)
`
`(58) Field of Classification Search
`None
`See application file for complete search history.
`
`(56)
`
`References Cited
`U.S. PATENT DOCUMENTS
`
`3/2019 Carlone
`10,226,010 Bl
`......... AO1H 6/4684
`3/2020 Carlone, Jr.
`10,588,282 B1*
`(0,863,706 Bl=12/2020 T.ongenberger
`11,026,386 Bl
`6/2021 Fischer
`20 Claims, No Drawings
`
`A novel maize variety designated X13R120 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 X13R120 with another maize
`plant are disclosed. Methods for producing a maize plant
`containing in its genetic material one or moretraits intro-
`gressed into X13R120 through backcrossing or genetic
`transformation, and to the maize seed, plant and plant part
`produced thereby are described. Maize variety X13R120,
`the seed, the plant produced from the seed, and variants,
`mutants, and minor modifications of maize variety X13R120
`are provided. Methods for producing maize varieties derived
`from maize variety X13R120 and methods of using maize
`varicty X13R120 are disclosed.
`
` Inari Exhibit 1061
`
`Inari Exhibit 1061
`Inari v. Pioneer
`Inari v. Pioneer
`
`

`

`US 11,758,865 Bl
`
`1
`MAIZE HYBRID X13R120
`
`BACKGROUND
`
`‘The goal of hybrid developmentis to combine,in a single
`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, and better agronomic quality. With mechanical har-
`vesting of many crops, uniformity of plant characteristics
`such as germination, stand establishment, growthrate, 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 X13R120, produced
`by crossing two maize inbred varieties. The hybrid maize
`variety X13R120, the seed, the plant and its parts produced
`from the seed, and variants, mutants and minor modifica-
`tions of maize X13R120 are provided. Processes are pro-
`vided for making a maize plant containing in its genctic
`material one or more traits introgressed into X13R120
`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 X13R120 are also provided. Also
`provided are maize plants having all the physiological and
`morphological characteristics of the hybrid maize variety
`X13R120.
`The hybrid maize plant may further comprise a cytoplas-
`mic or nuclear factor capable of conferring male sterility or
`otherwise preventing self-pollination, such as byself-incom-
`patibility. Parts of the maize plants disclosed herein are also
`provided, for example, pollen obtained from a hybrid plant
`and an ovule of the hybrid plant. Seed of the hybrid maize
`variety X13R120 is provided and may be provided as a
`population of maize seed of the variety designated
`X13R120.
`Compositions are provided comprising a seed of maize
`variety X13R120 comprised in plant seed growth media. In
`certain embodiments, the plant seed growth media is a soil
`or synthetic cultivation medium. In specific embodiments,
`the growth medium maybe comprised ina container or may,
`for example, be soil in a field.
`Hybrid maize variety X13R120 is provided comprising an
`added heritable trait. The heritable trait may be a genetic
`locus that
`is a dominant or recessive allele. In certain
`embodiments, the genetic locus confers traits such as, for
`example, male sterility, waxy starch, reduced lignin, herbi-
`cide tolerance or resistance, insect resistance. resistance to
`bacterial, fungal, nematode or viral disease, and altered or
`modified fatty acid, phytate, protein or carbohydrate
`metabolism. The genetic locus maybe a naturally occurring
`maize gene introduced into the genomeof a parent of the
`variety by backcrossing, a natural or induced mutation, or a
`transgene introduced through genetic transformation tech-
`niques. Whenintroduced through transformation, a genetic
`locus may comprise one or more transgenes integrated at a
`single chromosomallocation.
`A hybrid maize plant of the variety designated X13R120
`is provided, wherein a cytoplasmically-inherited trait has
`been introduced into the hybrid plant. Such cytoplasmically-
`inherited traits are passed to progeny through the female
`parent in a particular cross. An exemplary cytoplasmically-
`
`
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`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 malesterile in the next generation. The male fertility
`of a CMSplant can be restored bya 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 ofa plant of variety
`X13R120 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 varicty. Examples
`of some of the physiological and morphological character-
`istics of the variety X13R120 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, roottips,
`silk, flowers, kernels, ears, cobs, husks, or stalks, or from
`callus or protoplasts derived from those tissues. Maize
`plants regenerated fromthe tissue cultures and plants having
`all or essentially all of the physiological and morphological
`characteristics of variety X13R120 are also provided.
`A method of producing hybrid maize seed comprising
`crossing a plant of variety PH4CYJ with a plant of variety
`PH41M2. In a cross, either parent may serve as the male or
`female. Processes are also provided for producing maize
`seeds or plants, which processes generally comprise cross-
`ing a first parent maize plant as a male or female parent with
`a second parent maize plant, wherein atleast one of the first
`or second parent maize plants is a plant of the variety
`designated X13R120. In such crossing, either parent may
`serve as the male or female parent. These processes may be
`further exemplified as processes for preparing hybrid maize
`seed or plants, wherein a first hybrid 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 hybrid
`maize plant variety X13R120. 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, oftenin pollinating proximity, seedsofa first
`and second parent maize plant, and in many cases, 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 pollenor tassel bag from oneplantto the other.
`Asecond 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
`
`

`

`US 11,758,865 Bl
`
`4
`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.
`Beloware the descriptors used in the data tables included
`herein.
`
`
`
`BRITTLE STALK:A count of the numberof “snapped”
`plants per plot following machine snapping orartificial
`selection pressure. A snapped plant hasits stalk completely
`snappedat a node betweenthe base of the plant and the node
`abovethe ear. Can be expressed as percent ofplants 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: With respect to genetic manipulation, the utili-
`zation of up-regulation, down-regulation, or gene silencing.
`ANTHESIS: ‘The time of a flower’s opening.
`ANTHRACNOSE
`STALK
`ROT
`(Colletotrichum
`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.
`
`BLUP=BEST LINEAR UNBIASED PREDICTION.The
`BILUP values are determined from a mixed model analysis
`of hybrid performance observations at various locations and
`replications. BLUP values for inbred maizeplants, breeding
`values, are estimated from the same analysis using pedigree
`information.
`
`BREEDING CROSS: Across to introduce new genetic
`material into a plant for the development of a newvariety.
`Tor example, one could cross plant A with plant B, wherein
`plant B would be genetically different from plant A. Afler
`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.
`CORN LETHAL NECROSIS: Synergistic interaction of
`maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMY) in combination with
`either maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV-A or MDMV-B)
`or wheat streak mosaic virus (WSMV). A 1 to 9 visualrating
`indicating the resistance to Corn Lethal Necrosis. A higher
`score indicates a higher resistance. Data are collected only
`whensufficient selection pressure exists in the experiment
`measured.
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`20
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`25
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`45
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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,
`(.e., treating or manipulating the flowers so as to prevent
`pollen production, in order to produce an emasculated parent
`maize plant). 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 ofpollinating 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.
`Whentheplants are not in pollinating proximity, this can be
`done by placing a bag, usually paper or glassine, over the
`tassels of the first plant and another bag overthesilks of the
`incipient ear on the second plant. The bags arelefi 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 onthe tassels of the first
`plant is dead, and that the only pollen transferred comes
`from the first plant. The pollen bag, over the tassel ofthe first
`plant is then shaken vigorously to enhancerelease of pollen
`from the tassels, and the shoot bag is removed from thesilks
`of the incipient ear on the second plant. Finally, the pollen
`bag is removed from the tassel ofthe first plant and is placed
`overthe silks of the incipient ear of the second plant, shaken
`again andleft in place. Yet another step comprises harvest-
`ing the seeds fromat 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 X13R120. Maize seed and plants produced by
`the processare first generation hybrid maize seed and plants
`produced by 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
`X13R120 is provided.
`Plants described herein can be analyzed by their “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 maizeplant, or a cell or tissue
`of that plant. A genetic complement thus represents the
`genetic makeupofa cell, tissue or plant. Provided are maize
`plant cells that have a genetic complement in accordance
`with the maize plant cells disclosed herein, and plants, seeds
`and diploid plants containing suchcells.
`Plant genetic complements maybe assessed by genetic
`marker profiles, and by the expression of phenotypictraits
`that are characteristic of the expression of the genetic
`complement, e.g., isozyme typing profiles. It is understood
`that variety X13R120 could be identified by any of the many
`well-known techniques used for genetic profiling disclosed
`herein.
`
`55
`
`DETAILED DESCRIPTION
`
`A newand distinctive maize hybrid variety designated
`X13R120, 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
`
`60
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`
`COMMON SMUT:This is the percentage of plants not
`infected with Common Smut. Data are collected only when
`sufficient selection pressure exists in the experiment mea-
`sured.
`
`to 9 visual
`COMMON RUST (Puccinia sorghi): A 1
`rating indicating the resistance to Common Rust. A higher
`score indicates a higher resistance. Data are collected only
`when sufficient selection pressure exists in the experiment
`measured,
`CROSS POLLINATION:Fertilization by the union of
`two gametes from different plants.
`
`

`

`US 11,758,865 Bl
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`5
`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.
`
`6
`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:The interruption or suppression of
`the expression of a gene at the level of transcription or
`translation.
`
`GENOTYPE: Refers to the genetic mark-up orprofile of
`a cell or organism.
`GIBERS=GIBBERELLA FAR ROT (PINK MOTD)
`(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=GIBBERELLA STALK ROT SCORE: Score of
`
`zeae-
`
`stalk rot severity due to Gibberella (Gibberella zeae).
`Expressed as a 1 to 9 score with 9 being highly resistant.
`Data are collected only whensufficient selection pressure
`exists in the experiment measured.
`GLFSPT=GRAY LEAF SPOT (Cercospora
`maydis).A 1 to 9 visual rating, indicating the resistance to
`Gray Leaf Spot. A higher score indicates a higherresistance.
`Data are collected only when sufficient selection pressure
`exists in the experiment measured.
`(Corynebacterium
`GOSWLI=GOSS’
`WILT
`nebraskense): A | to 9 visualrating indicating the resistance
`to Goss’ Wilt. A higher score indicates a higher resistance.
`Data are collected only when sutlicient 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 indicated as flint-dent or intermediate. Other
`grain textures includeflint-like, dent-like, sweet, pop, waxy
`and flour.
`to 9
`GRNAPP=GRAIN APPEARANCE: This is a 1
`rating for the general appearance ofthe shelled grainasit is
`harvested. based on such factors as the color of harvested
`
`grain, any mold on the grain, and anycracked grain. Higher
`scores indicate better grain visual quality.
`H and H1: Refers to the haploid generation.
`HAPLOID PILANT PART: Refers to a plant part or cell
`that has a haploid genotype.
`HCBLT-HELMINTHOSPORIUM CARBONUM LEAF
`BLIGHT (ffelminthosporium carbonum): A 1
`to 9 visual
`rating indicating the resistance to Helminthosporium infec-
`tion. A higher score indicates a higher resistance. Data are
`collected only whensufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`HD SMT=HEAD SMUT(Sphacelotheca reiliana): This
`indicates the percentage of plants not infected. Data are
`collected only whensufficient selection pressure exists in the
`experiment measured.
`to 9 score based on
`HSKCVR=HUSK COVER: A 1
`performance relative to key checks, with a score of 1
`indicating very short husks, tip of ear and kernels showing;
`5 is intermediate coverage of the ear under most conditions,
`sometimes with thin husk; and a 9 has husks extending and
`
`
`
`
`
`=
`
`D and DI-Dn: represents the generation of doubled hap-
`loid.
`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 hybridthat dries relatively fast while a low score indicates
`a hybrid that dries slowly.
`DIGESTIBLE ENERGY: Near-infrared transmission
`spectroscopy, NIT, prediction of digestible energy.
`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
`DIPLODIA STALKROT:Stalk rot severity due to Diplo-
`dia (Diplodia maydis). Expressed as a 1 to 9 score with 9
`being highly resistant. Data are collected only when suffi-
`cient selection pressure exists in the experiment measured.
`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 mea-
`sured.
`to 9
`DROUGHT TOLERANCE: This represents a 1
`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 drought tolerance.
`Data are collected only whensufficient selection pressure
`exists in the experiment measured.
`EAR POSITION AT MATURITY:Theposition of the ear
`at physiological maturity (approximately 65 days after 50%
`silk) 1=Upright; 2=Horizontal; 3=Pendent.
`EYE SPOT(Kabatiella zeae or Aureobasidium zeae): A1
`to 9 visual rating indicating the resistance to Eye Spot. A
`higher score indicates a higherresistance. Data are collected
`only when sufficient selection pressure exists in the experi-
`ment measured.
`Fl PROGENY:A progeny plant produced by crossing a
`plant of one maize line with a plant of another maize line.
`FUSARIUM EAR ROT (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 suflicient
`selection pressure exists in the experiment measured.
`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 minimumdaily heat
`unit accumulation is 0. The seasonal accumulation of GDU 5
`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.temp.)-50
`
`20
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`25
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`40
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`45
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`60
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`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
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`7
`closed beyond the tip of the ear. Scoring can best be done
`near physiological maturity stage or any time during dry
`down until harvested.
`
`8
`indicates a higher resistance. Data are collected only when
`suticient selection pressure exists in the experiment mea-
`sured.
`
`US 11,758,865 Bl
`
`HTFRM=Nezer-infrared transmission spectroscopy, NIT,
`prediction of fermentables.
`HYBRID VARIETY: A substantially heterozygous hybrid
`line and minor genctic modifications thereof that retain the
`overall genetics of the hybridline.
`INBRED: A variety developed through inbreeding or
`doubled haploidy that preferably comprises homozygous
`alleles at about 95% or more ofits loci. An inbred can be
`reproduced by selfing or growing in isolation so that the
`
`plants can onlypollinate with the same inbred variety.
`NTROGRESS ION:The process of transferring genetic
`material from one genotype to another.
`KERNEL PERICARP COLOR is scored when kernels
`have dried down andis taken at or about 65 days after 50%
`silk. Score codes are: Colorless=1; Red with white crown=2;
`Tan=3; Bronze=4; Brown=5; Light red=6; Cherry red=7.
`KER_VVT=KERNEL NUMBER PER UNIT WEIGHT
`(Pounds or Grams): The number of kernels in a specific
`measured weight; determined after removal of extremely
`smal] and large kernels.
`LINKAGE: Refers to a phenomenon wherein alleles on
`the same chromosometend to segregate together more often
`than expected by chanceif their transmission was indepen-
`dent.
`
`MILKLN=percent milk in mature grain.
`MST=HARVEST MOISTURE: The moisture is
`
`the
`
`actual percentage moisture of the grain at harvest.
`NEI DISTANCE: A quantitative measure of percent simi-
`larity between two varieties. Nei’s distance between variet-
`ies A and B can be defined as 1-(2*number alleles in
`common/(number alleles in A+numberalleles in B). For
`example, if varieties A and B are the same for 95 out of 100
`alleles, the Nei distance would be 0.05. If varieties A and B
`are the samefor 98 out of 100 alleles, the Nei distance would
`be 0.02. Free software for calculating Nei distance is avail-
`able on the internet at multiple locations. See Nei, Proc Natl
`Acad Sci, 76:5269-5273 (1979).
`NLFBLT=NORTHERN LEAF BLIGHT (Helminthospo-
`rium turcicum or Exserohilum turcicum): A 1
`to 9 visual
`rating indicating the resistance to Northern Leaf Blight. A
`higher score indicates a higher resistance. Data are collected
`only whensufficient selection pressure exists in the experi-
`ment measured.
`NUCLEIC ACID: An acidic, chainlike biological macro-
`molccule consisting of multiple repeat units of phosphoric
`acid, sugar, and purine and pyrimidine bases.
`OILT=GRAIN OITL.: Absolute value of oil content of the
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`25
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`kernel as predicted by Near-Infrared ‘lransmittance and
`expressed as a percent of dry matter.
`LINKAGE DISEQUILIBRIUM:Refers to a phenomenon
`PERCENT IDENTITY: Percent identity as used herein
`wherein alleles tend to remain together in linkage groups
`refers to the comparison of the alleles present
`in two
`when segregating from parents to offspring, with a greater :
`varieties. For example, when comparing two inbred plants to
`frequency than expected from their individual frequencies.
`each other, cach inbred plant will have the sameallele (and
`LOCUS: A specific location on a chromosome.
`
`therefore be homozygous) at almostall of their loci. Percent
`LOCUS CONVERSION:(Also called TRAIT CONVER-
`
`STON) A locus conversion refers to plants within a variety identity is determined by comparingastatistically signifi-
`that have been modified in a mannerthat retains the overall
`cant number of the homozygousalleles of two varieties. For
`example, a percent identity of 90% between X13R120 and
`genetics of the variety and further comprises one or more
`other variety means that the two varieties have the same
`loci with a specific desired trait, such as malesterility, insect
`resistance, disease resistance or herbicide toleranceorresis-
`homozygousalleles at 90%of their loci.
`tance. Examples of single locus conversions include mutant
`PLANT: As used herein, the term “plant” includesrefer-
`40
`
`genes, transgenes and nativetraits finely mappedtoasingle ence to an immature or mature wholeplant,including a plant
`locus. One or more locus conversion traits may be intro-
`that has been detasseled or from which seed or grain has
`duced inio a single com variety.
`been removed. Seed or embryo that will produce the plantis
`LRTLPN=LATE ROOT LODGING:An estimate of the
`also considered to be the plant.
`the term “plant part”
`PLANT PART: As used herein,
`includes leaves, stems, roots, seed, grain, embryo, pollen,
`ovules, flowers, ears, cobs, husks, stalks, root tips, anthers,
`pericarp, silk, tissue, cells and the like. In some embadi-
`ments, the plant part contains at least one cell of hybrid
`maize variety X13R120 or a locus conversion thereof.
`PLATFORMindicates the variety with the base genetics
`and the variety with the base genetics comprising locus
`conversion(s). There can be a platform for the inbred maize
`variety and the hybrid maize variety.
`PLTHT=PLANT HEIGHT: This is a measure of the
`
`45
`
`percentage of plants that do not root lodge after anthesis
`through harvest; plants that lean from the vertical axis at an
`approximately 30-degree angle or greater would be consid-
`ered as root lodged. Data are collected only when sufficient
`selection pressure exists in the experiment measured.
`LRTLSC-LATE ROOT LODGING SCORE: Score for
`severity of plants that
`lean from a vertical axis at an
`approximate 30-degree angle or greater which typically
`results from strong winds after flowering. Recorded prior to
`harvest when a root-lodging event has occurred. This lodg-
`ing results in plants that are leaned or “lodged” over at the
`base ofthe plant and do not straighten or “goose-neck” back :
`to a vertical position. Expressed as a |
`to 9 score with 9
`being no lodging. Data are collected only when sufficient
`selection pressure exists in the experiment measured.
`MALE STERILITY: A male sterile plant is one which
`producesno viable pollen no (pollenthat is able to fertilize
`the egg to produce a viable seed). Malesterility prevents self
`pollination. These male sterile plants are therefore useful in
`hybrid plant production.
`MDMCPX=MAIZE DWARF MOSAIC COMPLEX
`
`
`
`(MDMV=Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus and MCDV=Maize
`Chlorotic Dwarf Virus). A 1 to 9 visual rating indicating the
`resistance to Maize Dwarf Mosaic Complex. A higher score
`
`height ofthe plant from the ground to the tip of the tassel in
`inches.
`
`
`
`POLSC-POLLEN SCORE: A 0 to 9 visual rating indi-
`cating the amount of pollen shed. The higher the score the
`more pollen shed.
`POLWT=POLLEN WEIGHT:This is calculated by dry
`weight of tassels collected as shedding commences minus
`dry weight from similar tassels harvested after shedding is
`complete.
`RM=RELATIVE MATURITY:This is a predicted rela-
`tive maturity based on the harvest moisture of the grain. The
`relative maturity rating is based on a knownset of checks
`and utilizes standard linear regression analyses and is also
`
`60
`
`65
`
`

`

`US 11,758,865 Bl
`
`
`
`9
`referred to as the Comparative Relative Maturity Rating
`System that is similar to the Minnesota Relative Maturity
`Rating System.
`
`PROT=GRAIN PROTEIN: Absolute value of protein
`content of the kernel as predicted by Near-Infrared Trans-
`mittance and expressed as a percent of dry matter.
`RESISTANCE: Synonymouswith tolerance. The ability
`of a plant
`to withstand exposure to an insect, disease,
`herbicide or other condition. A resistant plant variety will
`have a level of resistance higher than a comparable wild-
`type variety.
`ROOT LODGING: Root lodging is the percentage of
`plants that do not root lodge; 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.
`SEED: Fertilized and ripened ovule, consisting of the
`plant embryo, varying amounts ofstored food material, and
`a protective outer seed coat. Synonymous with grain.
`
`
`SEL IND-SELECTION INDEX: The selection index
`gives a single measure of the hybrid’s worth based on
`information for multiple traits. A maize breeder may utilize
`his or her ownsctoftraits for the selection index. Oneof the
`traits that is almost always included is yield. The selection
`index data presented in the tables represent the mean value
`averaged across testing stations.
`
`SELF POLLINATION:A plantis self-pollinated if pollen
`fromone floweris transferred to the same or another flower
`of the sameplant.
`SIB POLLINATION: A plantis sib-pollinated when indi-
`viduals within the same family or varicty are used for
`pollination.
`SITE SPECIFIC INTEGRATION:Genesthatcreate a site
`for site specific DNA integration. This includes the intro-
`duction of FRT sites that may be used in the FLP/FRT
`system and/or Lox sites that may be used in the Cre/Loxp
`
`system. For example, see WO 99/25821.
`
`
`
`SLFBLI=SOUTHERN LEAF BLIGHT (Helminthospo-
`rium maydis or Bipolaris maydis): A 1
`to 9 visual rating
`indicating, the resistance to Southern Leaf Blight. A higher
`score indicates a higher resistance. Data are collected only
`when sufficient selection pressure exists in the experiment
`measured.
`SNP=SINGLE-NUCLEOTIDE POLYMORPHISM: 1s a
`DNAsequencevariation occurring, when a single nucleotide
`in the genome differs between individual plant or plant
`varieties.
`‘The ditferences can be equated with different
`alleles, and indicate polymorphisms. A number of SNP
`markers can be used to determine a molecular profile of an
`individual plant or plant variety and can be used to compare
`similari