Induced Chlorophyll Mutations in Greengram ( Vigna radiata (L) Wilczek)

Chlorophyll mutations serve as an important index in the estimation of induced genetic changes in mutagen treated populations. Various types of chlorophyll mutation have been reported in different crop plants. In the present investigation, the effect of various doses (30 kR, 40 kR, 50 kR and 60 kR) of gamma rays on the frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll mutation and the response of two varieties to such irradiation dose was studied. Results indicated induction of wide spectrum of chlorophyll mutations which included albina, xantha, viridish, sectorial and chlorina. Among these chlorina type wasthe most frequent and sectorial type was the least in both the varieties. Quantitative variation in the frequency of different chlorophyll mutations was observed in different doses of mutagen treated populations in the two varieties. Of the two varieties studied, Sujata was found to be more sensitive to gamma irradiation in comparison to TARM 1.