Induced chemical mutagenesis in cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.]

Abstract

A mutagenesis programme was carried out using three chemical mutagens viz., EMS, MMS and SA on two varieties of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] namely, RC 19 and RC101. The M1 generation was raised only from higher doses of the mutagens which adversely affected their survival. In M2 generation, a wide spectrum of macromutations were observed in the progenies of both the varieties including few seed color mutants. The MMS treatment was found most effective and efficient as well. Several M2 progenies of the two cowpea varieties were significantly superior to their respective parents for seed yield per plant. A considerable number of M2 progenies were consistently superior to their parents in M3 generation also.