A spontaneous fasciated mutant was detected in the chickpea cv. Amethy
st. It was characterised by broad, strap-like stems, irregular leaf ar
rangement and clustering of pods towards the stem apices. F2 and F3 se
gregations showed that fasciation was controlled by a single, recessiv
e gene for which the symbol fas is proposed. Field trials comparing th
e fasciated mutant with its non-fasciated isoline showed that fasciati
on was associated with lower yield, larger seeds, delayed flowering an
d increased lodging.