The Rht12 mutation affects the seed storage protein composition in winter wheat cv. ‘Maris Huntsman’

Abstract The Rht12 semidwarf mutant can potentially replace the long-used Rht1-B1b/Rht-D1b (DELLA) mutants in wheat breeding. The Rht12 mutant offers advantages over DELLA mutants, particularly in regions with limited rainfall, as it does not reduce coleoptile length, an important trait for such semiarid areas. The dwarfing mechanism in Rht12 involves the overexpression of the GA2-oxidase A13 gene, which reduces the bioactive gibberellin contents, leading to reduced plant height. In this two-year field study, the protein content and composition of the wheat variety ‘Maris Huntsman’ and its Rht12 mutant line ( Triticum aestivum ssp. aestivum ) were examined. Changes in the size- and hydrophobicity-based distribution of the total proteins of the samples have been monitored by SE- and RP-HPLC, respectively. Significant differences in protein content and composition have been observed between the Rht12 mutant and wild-type genotype, showing altered protein characteristics (glutenin-to-gliadin ratio, unextractable polymeric protein percentage—UPP%) directly related to techno-functional properties. In addition, the basic quality parameters of the wholemeal samples from both growing seasons were determined with NIR (near-infrared spectroscopy) and revealed that due to the Rht12 mutation, Zeleny sedimentation and gluten content significantly improved.