GENETICS OF ALPHA-AMYLASES IN HEXAPLOID OAT SPECIES

The inheritance of alpha-amylases was studied in six F-2 populations o f hexaploid oats (Avena sativa, A, byzantina, A. fatua, A. sterillis) using polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. A total of 22 loci was ident ified and described. Three main linkages of four or five loci each and an additional two pairs of linked loci were detected It seems likely that the three main linkage groups represent homeologous chromosomes. Matching of alpha-amylase profiles of hexaploid (AACCDD), tetraploid ( AACC), and diploid (AA) species was made to assign the linkage groups to particular subgenomes in the hexaploid oat, it was proposed that Li nkage I (Amy12-Amy10-1-Amy4-Amy13-Amy11) belongs to the D-subgenome; L inkage 2 (Amy10-2, Amy9-Amy8-Amy6) belongs to the A-subgenome; and Lin kage 3 (Amy7-Amy3-Amy5-Amy2) belongs to the C-subgenome of the hexaplo id oat, The ''malt'' and ''green'' alpha-amylases in hexaploid and tet raploid oats have been identified. Isozymes of ''green'' alpha-amylase were slower in electrophoretic mobility than other isozymes and were governed bq loci assigned to the A- and D-subgenomes.