Abstract: The present invention provides methods for generating and identifying mutations in any target gene of a polyploid plant species. In a preferred aspect of the present invention, a plant is constructed and/or selected that has at least one copy of a functional, target gene located exclusively in only one of its homoeologous, or homologous, genomes. Seed derived from the selected plant are then contacted with an effective amount of at least one mutagenic agent, the treated seed are germinated and the seeds or plants derived therefrom, are screened for mutations in the target gene. Thus, the inventive concepts set forth herein can be used to create, select and identify mutations in any target gene of any suitable polyploid plant, thereby providing a source of numerous, readily-identifiable mutations that can, if so desired, be used in crosses to develop unique new crop cultivars.

Abstract: The present invention provides polyploid mutant wheat plants carrying at least one new mutation in a starch synthase gene, and progeny and seeds of such plants. The present invention further provides amylopectin starch from polyploid waxy wheat plants, the starch having new physical and chemical characteristics for food and industrial product uses.