Induced chlorophyll mutations in lentil (Lens cuJinaris Medik)

Abstract

Among the pulses, lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) is widely grown in the Indian subcontinent with an average yield of 733 kg/ha [1). However, available cultivars are either small seeded, late maturing or bold seeded but rust susceptible. In an attempt to produce bold seeded, early maturing and rust resistant/tolerant mutants in lentil, the most noticeable effect of gamma-rays (ionizing radiation) obs~rved was concomitant appearance of chlorophyll mutations in the M2 generation. Induced chlorophyll variation serve as an indication of viable mutations in irradiated populations [2).