Effect of rye chromosome 2 substitution on kernel protein content of wheat

Abstract

Significant increases in the kernel protein content of lines of the bread wheat variety Chinese Spring, in which a pair of rye chromosome 2 substitutes for group 2 chromosomes of wheat, were observed in plants grown at three different locations. Fractionation of proteins on the basis of their solubility did not show any significant variation in the relative proportions of alcohol, salt, acid and alkali soluble proteins. Similarly, electrophoretic studies of saline, alcohol and acetic acid-urea soluble proteins did not reveal any addition or deletion of protein bands in comparison with the Chinese Spring control. Apparently, the substituted rye chromosomes do not contribute any proteins different from those already present in wheat. The electrophoretic data give further evidence of the homoeology of rye chromosome 2 with the group 2 chromosomes of wheat.