Frequency and spectrum of viable mutations in mungbean (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek)

The mutagenic effect of gamma rays (200Gy, 300Gy, 400Gy, 500Gy, and 600Gy), ethyl methane sulphonate (0.2%, 0.3%, 0.4%, 0.5%, and 0.6%) and sodium azide (1 mM, 2 mM and 3 mM) on frequency and spectrum of viable mutations in two mungbean varieties viz., WGG-42 and LGG-460 were investigated. A wide spectrum of viable mutations for stature, leaf, flowering/maturity duration, cotyledonary leaf, pod, seed size, seed color, and colour stem were identified in the M₂ generation. The spectrum of viable mutants includeda total of 94 mutants in gamma gamma-irradiated population, 132 mutants in EMS and 45 mutants in SA treatments in WGG-42. In LGG-460, a total of 91 mutants in gamma gamma-irradiated population, 118 mutants in EMS treated population, and 45 mutants in SA treatments were observed. Viable mutation frequency increased with an increase in dose/concentration of gamma rays, EMS, and SA treatments in both genotypes. In both the genotypes, EMS showed the highest frequency of viable mutations than gamma rays and SA treatments. These viable mutants could be exploited as a variety or donor for bringing desirable traits into the otherwise well-adapted cultivars.