Induced Viable Mutations in Corchorus Olitorius L.

One hundred and thirty six viable mutations of Corchorus olitorius induced with gamma rays, thermal and pile neutrons were classified and described. The meiosis of all these mutants were studied and were found to be normal. By far, leaf mutations were more in our collection. Some of the mutations were drastic with completely altered morphology exhibiting transgeneric and trans-specific variations. Such mutations could either be due to the pleiotropic action of a gene or to cryptic chromosome deletions. Thermal neutrons were found to be 1–5 times more effective than gamma rays in inducing viable mutations.