Efficient mutagenesis in cowpea

Abstract

Studies were undertaken to obtain precise information on the effects of six doses of gamma rays (5 to 30 krad) and seven concentrations of ethyl methanesulphonate {0.1 to 0.7 per cent) on cowpea. Gamma ray and ethyl methanesulphonate treatments resulted in physiological damages in M, generation as evidenced by the reduction in survival of plants, plant growth and fertility. Mutation frequency estimated on M, plant basis increased with increasing doses of gamma rays and ethyl methanesulphonate. Effectiveness of gamma rays increased with increasing doses upto 15 krad and there was a reduction at still higher doses. Most efficient gamma ray dose was found to be 10 krad when efficiency was estimated on the basis of lethality or sterility, while on injury basis 30 krad was the most efficient dose. Among the different doses of ethyl methanesulphonate tried, 0.4 per cent was the most effective as well as efficient, irrespective of the criterion adopted for the estimation of efficiency.