REGULATION OF SECALIN ACCUMULATION IN RYE (SECALE-CEREALE)

To investigate the regulation of secalin synthesis in rye, we have quantitatively determined the secalin accumulation patterns throughout endosperm development in three inbred rye lines and in F1 hybrid seed produced by reciprocal crosses. Secalins were resolved electrophoretically and their relative proportions estimated by densitometry. Within the inbred rye lines, one group of secalins increased with time (75k γ-secalins), while other secalin groups decreased. Different secalin groups exhibited decreases in different inbred rye lines analysed. In the hybrid seeds these shifts in proportions were suppressed with proportions present at the earliest sampling date being maintained throughout development. This suggests that the differential expression noted within the rye inbreds may have been due to inbreeding depression. © 1990, Academic Press Limited. All rights reserved.