Genetic regulation of alpha-amylase synthesis in rye [Secale cereale L.] grain

Genetic analysis of two rye interline crosses and a set of wheat/rye chromosomal addition lines was performed to reveal the mechanism underlying wide variation range of alpha-amylase activity in sound grain. The long arm of chromosome 6R was found to be responsible for increased enzyme synthesis during late stages of triticale grain maturation. Only nuclear genes seemed to control alpha-amylase activity, as reciprocal crosses between rye lines showed no maternal effects. Low enzyme activity showed complete dominance over high level of its synthesis. Segregation ratios, observed in F₂ and BC₁ crosses, indicated that recessive alleles at two independent duplicative loci underlie intensive alpha-amylase production.