Isozyme variation and RFLPs at the β-amylase loci in wheat

Forty-one hexaploid wheat genotypes have been examined for RFLPs detected by a β-amylase probe using three restriction enzymes, and for mature grain β-amylase isozyme polymorphism following IEF. The two homoeoallelic series assayed for RFLPs differed: little variation was found at group 2 chromosome homoeoloci, while the group 4/5 chromosome homoeoloci displayed considerable variation. Varieties that displayed a RFLP with one RE almost always did likewise with the other two REs, suggesting that most of the polymorphisms observed were due to large DNA rearrangements. Comparison of the variation in grain β-amylase isozymes with the RFLP results indicated strong associations between particular RFLP and isozyme alleles.