Effect of physical and chemical mutagens individual and in combination in M1 generation of cowpea (Vigna Unguiculata L.)

Abstract

Effect of Gamma rays, Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (EMS) and their combination treatments on seed germination, reduction in seedling height, pollen sterility, ovule sterility and plant survival till maturity were studied in the M1 generation of two cowpea (Vigna unguiculata L.) cultivars. viz., Kashi Kanchan and Kashi Unnati. Different doses / concentrations of Gamma rays (10 kR, 20 kR, 30 kR, 40 kR and 50 kR), EMS (0.01 M, 0.02 M, 0.03 M, 0.04 M and 0.05 M) and their combination (10 kR +0.02 M, 20 kR+0.02 M, 30 kR + 0.02 M, 40 kR + 0.02 M and 50 kR + 0.02 M) were used to analyze their effect on above mentioned traits in M1 generation of both the genotypes. Data collected from M1 generation showed minimum germination percentage and maximum reduction in seedling height were observed at higher doses of combined treatments in both the cultivars. Similarly, highest pollen and ovule sterility as well as lowest plant survival were also recorded at maximum combined dose of mutagens as compared to the other treatments in both the varieties. Deleterious effects were more pronounced in higher doses, indicating almost a linear relationship. © 2020 Plant Archives. All rights reserved.