An induced dominant semi-dwarf plant height mutation in spring wheat^*

C. F. KONZAK, S. C. Woo and John DICKEY

Department of Agronomy, Washington State University, Pullman, Washington 99163, U.S.A.

The analysis of an F₂ progeny from the cross of an ethyl methanesulfonate-induced mutant to its "mother" variety Marfed has clearly demonstrated the complete dominant nature of the mutation. Of 60 F₂ plants examined, only 12 were as tall (90 cm) as the male parent Marfed. The remaining plants were about the same height (60 cm) as the mutant.

The dominant mutant appears to have vigorous growth characteristics and coleoptile and first leaf growth like Marfed. In the field it appears to tiller somewhat more than Marfed, but the "raw" mutant has so far yielded significantly less. Selections will be made from the backcross progeny in an effort to improve the stock in case the lower yield is due to accessory mutations.

Seed should be available for distribution following the 1969 harvest.