Legume Research - An International Journal

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of gamma-rays and EMS (Ethyl methane sulphonate) in two cultivars of chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) viz., HPG-17 (bold seeded) and Himachal chana-1 (small seeded), have been worked out to identify the useful mutagens as well as doses/concentrations. 30kR dose of gamma-rays has been found most effective and efficient on M₂ family and M₂ plant basis in HPG-17. Among different doses, 0.15% dose of EMS was found more effective on M₂ family basis and 0.30% dose was found effective on M₂ plant basis and 0.30% dose of EMS was found efficient in HPG-17. In Himachal chana-1, 30kR dose was most effective and 50kR dose of gamma-rays was found to be most efficient and among different doses of EMS, 0.15% dose was observed as the most effective and 0.30% dose as most efficient. In general, EMS was found to be more effective and gamma-rays more efficient in bold seeded variety, whereas in small seeded variety, EMS was found to be more effective and efficient. Combined analysis of mutagens and varieties showed that chemical mutagen (EMS) was more effective and efficient than physical mutagen (gamma-rays) in inducing mutations and mutation rate was more in small seeded variety than in bold seeded variety.