Abstract
The present investigation deals with the mutagenic effects of six doses of γ rays viz., 15 kR, 30 kR, 45 kR, 60 kR, 75kR and 90 kR on pollen fertility and meiosis in M1 generation of two varieties of Isabgol (Plantago ovata Forsk.) i.e., var. Mayuri and var. Niharika. These studies were carried out in control as well as in treated population of both the varieties. During the meiotic studies various types of chromosome aberrations were identified at different stages of meiosis in all the doses of γ rays. These anomalies were observed to be dose dependent and positively correlated with the doses of γ rays applied in both the varieties. The frequency of meiotic aberrations was maximum at metaphase followed by anaphase and telophase stages. Pollen fertility had also shown a gradual decrease with an increase in doses of γ rays in both the varieties. These collective observations had indicated that γ rays are more effective in var. Mayuri as it produced more chromosomal aberrations in var. Mayuri in comparison with var. Niharika, and equally suggested that var. Mayuri is more sensitive to the γ rays than the var. Niharika.
