Abstract:
Studies were undertaken to correlate the Mt chlorophyll deficient sectors
with Ms chlorophyll mutations in rice. Chemical mutagens induced more sectors
than fast neutrons. NMH was more effective than EMS in this respect. The
sectors exhibited wide variation in type, intensity and persistance. They originate
in leaves and panicles quite independently. Chimeric tillers yielded more chlorophyll
mutations than non-chimeric tillers. Striped panicles produced more
mutants than normal panicles. Thus, sectors on panicles and spikelets give a
surer indication of mutations in the M; than sectors on leaves. The sector frequency
on panicles can therefore be used as a reliable estimate of mutagenic
effects. Selection of M, panicles with sectors can enhance the rate of chlorophyll
mutations in the Ms generation.
