RECOVERY OF DESIRABLE MUTATIONS IN WHEAT

Abstract

Mutagens of environmental significance have gained special attention on account of their environmental pollution and possible genetic hazards. Three groups of structurally different environmental chemical mutagens viz., Aziridines (Metepa and Thio-Tepa), Nitroso-compounds (MNG and NMU) and esters (MMS and EMS) were used to study their comparative mutagenic efficiency and also to induce mutations for specific traits of econoII\ic importance e.g., protein content and rust resistance in two varieties, one belonging to "tetraploid (var. HD 4502) and another to hexaploid (var. NP 880) wheat. With effective muta~nesis, it was possible to induce mutations and with rigorous screening in M2 and M3 generations, isolate mutant plants with higher grain yield potential, protein content, desirable quality and better rust resistance in both the varieties. Rectification of mottling effect of kernels of var. HD 4502 was achieved with EMS treatment, which were found to be most efficacious. The experimental evidences revealed that environmental chemical agents are potent mutagenic agents.