INHERITANCE AND LINKAGE OF A MAGENTA FLOWER GENE IN SOYBEANS

Abstract

Magenta flower color in soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.) was found to be controlled by a mutant gene, wm, in the presence of W1 which is the common gene for purple flowers. These two genes are closely linked (2.2 ± 0.7% recombination) and are members of what is proposed as Linkage Group 8. The wm reduces flavonol content of flowers and of leaves, and is a deleterious mutant in terms of photosynthetic rate and bean yield.