Creating large 60Co-γ populations for functional genomics and breeding in wheat

Wheat (<i>Triticum aestivum</i> L.) serves as a critically important staple crop worldwide, and mutation breeding through Cobalt-60 (⁶⁰Co-γ) radiation has been widely adopted as an effective strategy for genetic improvement. In this study, ten wheat cultivars from Shandong, Henan, and Hebei were subjected to ⁶⁰Co-γ irradiation to develop an M₂ mutant population comprising 10,350,000 lines. Systematic screening M₂ mutant population under natural conditions identified 158 freezing-tolerant mutants, 441 saline-alkali-tolerant mutants, and >5,000 mutants with changed yield or quality traits. This population represents a valuable genetic resource for collaborative research and provides a powerful platform for functional genomics studies and breeding applications.