Division of Genetics, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, Mew Delhi-l10 012
*Present address: Central Potato Research Station, Kufri, Simla-171 006.
Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of NMU and gamma rays were studied with three varieties of Lens culinaris. NMU was almost three times more effective than gamma rays. Its efficiency was 1⋅5–2 times higher than that of gamma rays. NMU can be a useful mutagen at low concentrations. Both mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency were higher at lower dose of NMU in all the varieties. However, effectiveness and efficiency were higher at the lower dose of gamma rays in the variety L-258, but less in the varieties L-235 and L-259. In spite of a general decline in mutagenic efficiency and effectiveness with increasing dose, the highest mutation rates were recorded in the higher doses of gamma rays as well as NMU.
