An Induced Mutation for Genie Male Sterility in Common Bean

Abstract

Dry seed of the common bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) breeding line S-593 was treated with 200 Gy of gamma radiation, and M2 seed was produced. The seed was planted at Prosser, Wash., and selection was made for plants with greatly reduced seed set. The inheritance of one of the selections for possible male sterility mutation was studied in F2, F3, and backcross generations. This character is controlled by a single recessive gene, for which the symbol ms-1 is proposed. Plants carrying ms-l/ms-1 produce well-filled pods after manual pollination with pollen from normal plants, but produce no seed when protected from insect pollination in greenhouse and field environments. Uses for this mutant are discussed.