Esterase isozymes in rye - characterization, genetic control and chromosomal location.

The zymogram phenotypes that 'Chinese Spring'-'Imperial', 'Holdfast'-'King II' and 'Kharkov'-'Dakold' wheat-rye addition lines presented for esterase isozymes were determined using polyacrylamide gel ectrophoresis. The analyses were carried out with different parts of the dry kernel, namely embryo plus scutellum and endosperm, leaves and roots. In all cases, embryo plus scutellum, endosperm and leaf presented different patterns of esterases. The patterns of leaves and roots were the same. Results indicate that rye esterases exist as monomers and dimers. Dimeric esterases are controlled by one locus located on the 3R chromosomes of 'Imperial', 'King II' and 'Dakold' rye cultivars. Five loci involved in the production of monomeric esterases have been located on the 6R chromosomes of these cultivars, specifically on the long arm of the 'King II' 6R chromosome. On the basis of these results, considerations concerning chromosome homoeology and homology are made.