Nuclear Size in Plumular Meristems of Inbred and Hybrid Maize

A Developmental Study of Maize With Particular Reference to Hybrid Vigor

“…Hybrid plants grown in solutions containing 4.0 milligram atoms of nitrogen per liter had medulla parenchyma cells in the third internode larger than those of either parent at the same level on the plant. Plumular meristem size in heterotic maize was found to be no greater than that of the larger parent while, in one pedigree, nuclear size in the plumular meristems of the hybrid was significantly greater than in the larger parent (Bindloss, 1938). Whaley (1939b) found no relationship between volume of the meristem and degree of hybrid vigor in the embryo or during development of tomatoes.…”

Growth of Excised Roots and Heterosis in Tomato

“…Luckwill (1937) confirmed Ashby's results for tomatoes. Bindloss (1938) found that size and vigor of three pedigrees of maize known to be heterotic were independent of plumular meristem size. In one pedigree the nuclear size of the hybrid was greater than that of the parents, but it was not greater in the other two.…”