Induction and selection of protein mutants in spring wheat at the IAEA Seibersdorf Laboratory

Seeds of the Mexican spring wheat line Mex 22A were treated with gamma rays or ethylmethanesulphonate (EMS). The mutagenized material was consistently selected for improved seed protein content and in more advanced generations for yield parameters. Mutant lines with increased seed protein content and maintained total yield were identified and the generally negative correlation between grain protein content and grain yield was thus broken. Promising mutant lines are characterized by increased seed weight, smaller spikes and increased tillering. (author)