Effect of gamma irradiation on chlorophyll metabolism in Dolichos, vigna and Phaseolus species.

The effect of gamma irradiation on chlorophyll metabolism was studied in leaves of Dolichos, Vigna and Phaseolus species, The dry seeds were exposed to 1.25KR, 2.5KR, 5.0KR, 10.0KR and 15.0KR doses of gamma irradiation and leaves from plants recovered from them as well as from control plants were tested for Chi. a, Chi. b and total chlorophyll contents. A comparison was made between chlorophyll contents of leaves from irradiated and non-irradiated populations. Chlorophyll content decreased at lower doses and incerased at higher doses in Dolichos lablab L., Vigna unguiculata L. and Phaseolus vulgaris L. But in D. biflorus and P. lunatus L. var. PI irradiation increased the chlorophyll content at all dose levels. In contrast the variety EC of P. lunatus L. recorded a decrease in chlorophyll content at all dose levels. The amount of chlorophyll b was more than that of chlorophyll a in all the plants investigated.