A chlorophyll‐reduced seedling mutant in oilseed rape, Brassica napus, for utilization in F1 hybrid production

Abstract A mutant chlorophyll‐reduced ( Cr ) seedling with yellow‐green cotyledons and leaves was obtained from the Brassica napus inbred line 3529 induced by fast neutron and diethyl sulphate (DES). Genetic analysis revealed that the Cr seedling marker trait was controlled by a pair of recessive genes. A randomized complete block design was used to evaluate its agronomic performance. Results from 2 years of tests indicated that the seed yield of Cr lines was significantly lower than that of normal green plants; however, when the Cr gene was in the heterozygous condition, no deleterious effects on yield characteristics and disease resistance were observed. The Cr seedling marker trait was introduced into male‐sterile lines, and Cr male‐sterile lines revealed the same superior combining ability as normal chlorophyll ( Nc ) lines. The Cr trait can therefore be used as a marker to produce hybrid seed.