Indian Institute of Horticultural Research, Bangalore
The effectiveness of gamma irradiation and two chemical mutagens, NMU and DES on the medicinal Yam Dioscorea floribunda was studied. Chemical mutagens were more effective in altering the mean values. DES was more effective than NMU. NMU was found to stimulate germination and seedling vigour. Although mean values were not affected by irradiation, genetic variances were considerably increased. The possibility of alterning the genetic architecture of this crop through mutatation breeding is suggested.
