Genetics of flower colour in bengal gram

The paper reports F₂ and F₃ segregation in crosses involving 12 varieties of Cicer arietinum having either pink or white flower colour. A cross between varieties N. 68 and Himayat Sagar Mutant (H.S.M.), both of which were true breeding for pink colour threw white F₂ segregates. The F₂ and F₃ results suggest an overall 48: 16 segregation of pink and white. A comprehensive study of all the segregations together has shown that it is not a monofactorial 3:1 which it closely resembles. The results have been explained on a hypothesis assuming (1) a factor A causing pink colour, (ii) two factors B and C each giving white but together giving pink through complementary interaction; and (iii) one of the complementary factor C inhibiting A in its expression.