Inheritance of the Triple-spikelet Character in a Tibetan Landrace of Common Wheat

The Tibetan triple-spikelet wheat (TTSW) (Triticum aestivum L. concv. tripletum nom. nud.) is a landrace of common wheat collected from Tibet, China. It possesses a genetic stable character of triple-spikelets, and produces more than 50 spikelets and about 150 florets per spike. The plant has normal number of tillers, normal length of spikes, and well-developed seeds. The inheritance of the triple-spikelet trait in TTSW was genetically analyzed. The results indicate that the triple-spikelet character in TTSW is controlled by two recessive genes. Therefore, we suggest designating the genes controlling this character of triple-spikelets as Ts1 and Ts2. These genes could be used for increasing the number of spikelets per spike for high-yield breeding in common wheat.