Maize defective kernel (dek) mutants identify genes necessary for the
successful passage of embryos through the embryogenic and maturation
phases of embryo development. The goal of this thesis was to characterize the
developmental potential of three dek mutants that appeared to be
morphologically blocked prior to the maturation phase of...
Experiments were performed to assess regulatory factors governing maize
embryo maturation and vivipary. Both visual and molecular markers of embryo
development were used to examine the roles of the hormones abscisic acid (ABA)
and gibberellins (GAs), as well as water stress in governing transit from early
embryogeny to maturation-phase development....