Single gene mutation for green cotyledons as a marker for the embryonic genotype in faba bean, Vicia faba

A new spontaneous mutation is described in faba bean, Vicia faba L., charac terized by a marked green colour in the entire cotyledon tissues of the mat ure seeds, while the wild phenotype is yellow. This seed character reflects the embryonic genotype and is determined by a single recessive allele name d i1-1. It is distinct from the y gene, which codes for green testa. As is the case for gene y, the gene i1-1 displays no epistatic effects with the z ero-tannin genes zt1 and zt2 which influence seed and flower colour in faba bean. In this allogamous species, such a mutation is a useful tool in cros s-fertilization studies.