INHERITANCE OF FASCIATION IN MUNGBEAN (VIGNA RADIATA (L.) WILCZEK)

Abstract

Mungbean, or greengram (Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek), an important grain legume of India is also grown in Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Philippines, Taiwan, Nepal, Thailand, Laos,' Kampuchea, Vietnam, Indonesia, Eastern Malaysia, Southern China, Java, etc. Its germplasm has narrow variability. Therefore, experiments were initiated to increase the variability through induced mutations in a widely cultivated variety. A mutant with fasciation of branches and increased number of floral organs was noticed [1] in M2 bulk population of cv. T,44, irradiated with 10 kR 6OCo gamma rays. The frequency of mutants was 0.03% of the total M2 population. The mutant bred true in subsequent generations. Pollen sterility was higher in the mutant than in the parent variety. This paper reports on the inheritance of this mutant.