Genes controlling prolamin biosynthesis, Pro1 and Pro2, in foxtail millet,Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.

Variation and genetic control of seed protein in foxtail millet (Setaria it alica) were studied using SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE) . Variation in the electrophoregram of the total seed protein were detected in the range between 20 and 30 kDa which is derived from the polymorphism of five prolamin bands. The segregation for each of the bands in F-2 seeds showed that these bands are governed by seven alleles at two loci, Pro1 and Pro2, which are not linked to one another. Among 271 local cultivars exami ned, eight out often possible genotypes were observed. With its level of di versity comparable to that of isozymes, the alleles conferring prolamin pol ymorphism are useful genetic markers.