Variability in bambara groundnut (Vigna Subterranea (L.) Verdc.) due to gamma irradiation

Variability induced by gamma irradiation for yield contributing traits was studied in M₁ and M₂ generations of Bambara groundnut (Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc) genotype SB-42. Germination and survival percent in M₁ generation decreased with increasing doses of gamma irradiation. LD₅₀ was calculated as 200Gy; lower dose than this did not affected germination. Minimum germination was observed at the highest dose of 225Gy. There was no variation in M₁ generation for all characters at all doses of gamma radiation, while in M₂ generation, negative shift for all characters was observed, except for days to flowering. Significant morphological variability was observed in M₂ generation. Several high yielding, early maturing and double seeded mutants been isolated, which could be used in crop improvement program.