ABSCISIC-ACID INDUCES PINK PIGMENTATION IN MAIZE ALEURONE TISSUE IN THE ABSENCE OF BRONZE-2

Despite the absence of a functional Bronze-2 gene, bz2 kernels can dev elop faint to intense pink pigmentation as a result of anthocyanin dep osition. The sporadic occurrence and variable intensity of pink pigmen tation appears to be a response by individual kernels to environmental conditions or developmental signals. Application of abscisic acid (AB A) to bz2 kernels 12-14 days post-pollination increases anthocyanin pi gmentation in most treated kernels. Increased pigmentation induced by ABA treatment was specific to bz2 testers, as hormone application to k ernels recessive for a1, a2, bz1, c1, c2 or r had no effect on kernel color. To aid in defining the function of Bz2, the pigments present in fully purple, bz1 and bz2 leaves were analyzed and a data base search was conducted to find similarities between the Bz2 coding region and other plant genes. We discuss possible functions of the Bz2 gene produ ct.