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., characterized by a marked green colour in the entire cotyledon tissues of the mature seeds, while the wild phenotype is yellow. This seed character reflects the embryonic genotype and is determined by a single recessive allele named 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 zero-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 cross-fertilization studies.