Induced Mutations of Physiological Nature in Lentil

Two new mutations in lentil have been described. ‘Long peduncle’ mutation was semi-fertile induced with 0∙01% NMU in the variety L-258 and ‘Multiflorate’ mutation recovered in the variety L-235 after treatment with 0∙005% NMU was sterile. The mode of inheritance revealed that both were monogenic recessive macromutants. The gene symbols proposed for ‘long peduncle’ and ‘multiflorate’ mutations are lp and mf respectively. Towards the end of growth period, there is proliferation of the peduncle into a branch and that of flower into a shoot in these mutations, probably under the influence of increased temperature and day length. The gene mutations have, thus, increased the sensitivity of the mutants to these environmental conditions leading to a reversion of the reproductive phase to vegetative state.