Gamma Rays Induced Phenotypic Mutations In Chickpea (Cicerarietinum L.)

Abstract

Seven different doses of Gamma rays (0Gy, 50Gy, 75Gy, 100Gy, 150Gy, 250Gy, 300Gy) were used phenotypic mutations in chickpea (Cicerarietinum L.) in genotype (NCS0350). Following effects of Gamma rays were observed: (a) Variations were noticed in phenotypic expression for all the quantitative and qualitative characters. (b) Increase in germination rate, germination percentage, shoot length, root length and leaf area occurred by the application of 50Gy to 100Gy. (c) Negative effect on inter-node space was found in all the doses. (d) 100Gy induced reduction in fresh weight. (d) No change in leaf type or phylotaxis in M0 generation observed due to Gamma rays. (e) Leaflet arrangement changed from alternate (0Gy) to apposite in 75 and 100Gy. (f) All seven new leaflet shapes were found to be acute lobed (two lobed, three lobed, four lobed), round lobed (three lobed), ovate, lanceolate, rhomboid and obvate. (g) Level of mosiacness increases with increasing the dose of Gamma rays. (h) Chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll content was enhanced in 100GY to 250Gy. (i) 300Gy showed inhibitory effect for most of the character studied. 100Gy to 250Gy found to be the best dose for maximum positive phenotypic mutations required for chickpea improvement.