Induced mutations in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) III. frequency and spectrum of viable mutations

A comparative study of frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll mutations induced by two physical (gamma rays and fast neutrons) and two chemical mutagens (NMU and EMS) in relation to the effects in M1 plants and induction of mutations in M2 was made in four chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) varieties, two desi (G 130 and H 214) one kabuli (C 104) and one green seeded (L 345). The treatments included three doses each of gamma rays (400, 500 & 600 Gy) and fast neutrons (5, 10 & 15 Gy) and two concentrations with two different durations of two chemical mutagens, NMU [0.01% (20h), and 0.02% (8h)] and EMS [0.1% (20h) & 0.2% (8h)]. Chemical mutagens were more efficient than physical in inducing viable and total number of mutations. Among the chemical mutagens NMU was the most potent, while among the physical mutagens, gamma rays were more effective. Green seeded var. L 345 was most responsive for mutations while the kabuli var. C 104 was least suitable. Major differences in the mutagenic response of the four cultivars were observed. The desi varietiies were more resistant towards mutagenic treatment than kabuli and green seeded type.