Ethyl methane sulphonate (Ems) induced mutations in M1 generation of cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)

Abstract

The study was carried out to induce genetic variability in cowpea variety Vamban 2 through chemical mutagen ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). Totally eight treatments viz., 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 mM were engaged. The LD50 values for the mutagen were worked out based on observations recorded on seed germination, root length and shoot length under laboratory conditions. The M1 generation was raised under field conditions to study different parameters such as plant height at maturity, germination of seeds, pollen fertility, number of branches per plant, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, 100 seed weight and single plant yield. The results showed that the increasing concentrations of EMS had negative correlation with phenotypic expression and yield characters.