The Discovery of Micro mutation of the Dominant Dwarfing Gene Rht10 in Wheat

Ai Bian 1”, a dominant dwarfing line which is very short in stature owing to the dwarfing gene Rht10 located on chromosome 4D, was crossed with modern improved varieties of wheat ( Triticum aestivum L.) with tall or medium stature. Some derived semi dominant dwarfing lines which had a plant height significantly higher than Ai Bian 1 and close to the ideal height were obtained. They have been used in hybrid wheat and conventional wheat breeding. The investigation showed that the dwarfing major gene of the derived semi dominant dwarfing lines might result from micro mutation of the Rht10 gene. A discussion is made of the origin, evolution and application of the dominant drawfing genes in wheat.