Mutagenesis plays a major role in elucidation of biological processes in plants and animals and is an important tool in genetic improvement of traits useful for human beings. Although some sorghum mutants are available, no systematic mutagenesis approach has been taken. We initiated a project to generate 10,000 Annotated Individually-pedigreed Mutagenized Sorghum (AIMS) lines for selection of agronomic trait mutants, as well as mutant series for elucidating the as-yet-unknown functions of sequenced genes using the TILLING (Targeted Induced Local Lesion In Genome) technique. The frequency of albino plants and various other altered phenotypes observed in M2 progeny indicate that mutagenesis in sorghum is highly efficient. Many mutations altered in important agronomic traits, such as panicle morphology, seed size, number of tillers, height, flowering time, and senescence were observed. The AIMS line may serve as a valuable genetic resource for sorghum genomic studies and for elucidating the genetic mechanisms underpinning important agronomic traits. The AIMS lines will be made available to all sorghum researchers in the U.S. in 2006.
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