Effect of mutagenesis on germination, plant survival, pollen sterility and seed sterility in m1 generation of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonaloba L.) variety MDU 1

The present study was carried out to study the impact of mutagens on biological parameters such as seed germination, shoot and root length and to determine the lethal dose (LD50) of gamma ray, electron beam and combined effect of gamma ray + EMS on cluster bean variety MDU 1. Cluster bean seeds were treated with different doses (100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600,700 Gy) of gamma rays, electron beam and (100+20mM EMS, 200+20mM EMS, 300+20mM EMS, 400+20mM EMS, 500+20mM EMS, 600+20mM EMS,700+20mM EMS Gy) of Gamma ray with EMS combined treatment. Radiation induced morphological changes such as reduced germination, reduced in shoot and root length was observed compared to control. In cluster bean variety MDU 1. LD50 was noticed at 406 Gy, 302 Gy and 202 Gy for gamma rays, electron beam and combined treatment respectively. Decrease in the germination percent with increase in dose was observed in the present study. Optimal mutagenic doses were calculated based on germination percentages which were considered useful in developing cluster bean mutagenized population to create genetic variability for various qualitative and quantitative traits.