Mutagenic Effectiveness and Efficiency of Gamma-rays, Ethyl Methane Sulphonate and Their Synergistic Effects in Black Gram (Vigna mungo L.)

Abstract

Mutation frequency, effectiveness and efficiency of gamma-rays, ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and synergistic effects of their combination treatment were assessed in T-9, an improved variety of black gram. Gamma-rays were more effective than EMS. However, EMS was 2-2.5 times more efficient than gamma-rays. There was a progressive increase in mutation frequency of chlorophyll and viable mutations with the increase in gamma-rays and EMS doses. Synergistic effects were observed for increasing mutation frequency in M₂generation in combination treatment of gamma-rays with EMS.