Identification of novel plant architecture mutants in barley

Abstract In grasses, biomass and grain production are affected by plant architecture traits such as tiller number, leaf size orientation. Thus, knowledge regarding their genetic basis is a prerequisite for developing new improved varieties. Mutant screens represent powerful approach to identify factors underpinning these traits: the Hor TILLUS population, obtained mutagenesis of spring two-row cultivar Sebastian, valuable resource this purpose in barley. study, 20 mutant families from population were selected evaluated angle range other agronomic using an unreplicated field design with Sebastian check cultivar. Principal Component Analysis revealed strong relationships among number tillers, upper canopy angle, yield-related traits. Comparison background that most mutants significantly differed wild-type multiple traits, including two more erect leaves four increased at least one phenological stage. Heatmap clustering identified main groups: first containing second high-tillering mutants. Among mutants, showed higher yield per compared Sebastian. The promising materials identification controlling tillering