Equilibrium in Genic Materials

Abstract

Several small heritable variations in inbred strains of maize are described. These lines, degenerate in some respects, show growth superior to the parent line when crossed back or outcrossed. Though the differences apparently are caused by a single gene, there are usually multiple effects, some favorable, some unfavorable, and the backcross shows heterosis because whatever the deviating line has lost the original line supplies while the acquired advantages may be added to the sum total of genic action.