Mutagenic Effects of Gamma Rays and Ems on Frequency and Spectrum of Chlorophyll Mutations in Urdbean (vigna Mungo (L.) Hepper)

Chlorophyll mutations act as a significant index in the judgment of induced genetic variations in mutagen treated populations. Different types of chlorophyll mutation have been observed in various crop plants. In the current study, the effect of different concentrations (40kR, 50kR and 60kR) of gamma rays, Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (50mM, 60mM and 70mM) in single and combination dose/concentration on the frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll mutation and the effect of VBN 4 urdbean variety to such irradiation dose was observed. Results showed induction of broad spectrum of chlorophyll mutations which included albina, xantha, chlorina and viridis. Among these chlorina type was predominant in all the mutagenic treatments. The albina type of chlorophyll mutants occurred very rarely and was found only at 60mM of EMS treatment and at 40kR+50mM, 60kR+70mM of combination treatments. Based on the chlorophyll mutation frequency, gamma rays were most effective followed by EMS and combination of treatments.