New gene Crt (Curly roots) controlling pea (Pisum sativum L.) root development

Using ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) treatment of the seeds of line SGE, a new mutant of pea (Pisum sativum L.) with alterations in root development was obtained. The mutant phenotype depends on the density of the growth substrate: on sand (a high density substrate) the mutant forms a small compact curly root system whereas on vermiculite (a low density substrate) differences between the root systems of the mutant and wild type plants are less pronounced. Genetic analysis revealed that the mutant carries a mutation in a new pea gene designed crt (curly roots). Gene crt has been localized in pea linkage group V. The mutant line named SGEcrt showed increased sensitivity to exogenous auxin and an increased concentration of endogenous indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) in comparison with the wild type line SGE. (C) 2000 Annals of Botany Company.