An induced multiple carpel mutation in bread wheat

Abstract

Mutants showing partial or complete transformation of stamens into 'carpels' or carpel-like structures were recorded in the M₂ progenies, following irradiation of dry seeds with 16 K. rads of X-rays and following treatment with β particles from S³⁵, in bread wheat vareity H 167. The multiple carpel mutation has a low and variable expression. It appears to be recessive to normal. Seed setting was poor in bagged spikes of the mutant plants but reasonably good seed set was obtained under conditions of open pollination. Not more than one functional carpel was found in any flower and this was always the normal carpel.