Mutagenic effects of gamma rays and ems on frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll mutants in cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp)

Abstract

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 present study, cowpea varieties GC 3 and GC 7 were treated with different doses (200Gy, 300Gy, 400Gy, 500Gy and 600Gy) of Gamma rays, EMS (0.2%, 0.4% and 0.6%) in single and combination dose/concentration to obtain frequency of chlorophyll mutations in M2 generation. Results showed induction of broad spectrum of chlorophyll mutations which included albino, viridis and xantha. Among these viridis type was predominant in all the mutagenic treatments for both varieties. The albino type of chlorophyll mutants occurred very rarely. The higher frequency of chlorophyll mutation was 0.84 % observed at 500Gy + 0.4% EMS combination treatment of mutagen in GC 3. Based on the chlorophyll mutation frequency, combination treatment of gamma rays and EMS were most effective followed by Gamma rays and EMS.