The objective of the present research was to obtain mutants with reduced plant height and resistance to diseases in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.), variety IAC-17, through gamma-irradiation. Seeds were irradiated with gamma-rays (35 krad) and the selection was started in the M2 generation. Three selected lines were compared to the control IAC-17 during three years, in seven trials carried out in several localities under or without irrigation. One mutant line showed significant reduction in plant height, less lodging and increased resistance to powdery mildew (Erysiphe graminis f. sp. tritici) This mutant also showed the same yield, yield components, tolerance to aluminium, cycle and reaction to Helminthosporium sativum, Puccinia graminis f. sp. tritici, P. recondita as the original variety. The results indicated the usefulness of the mutation breeding method to correct defects of simple inherited characters in oustanding commercial varieties.
Gamma-rays; mutants; wheat plant breeding