Efficiency and effectiveness of physical and chemical mutagens in cowpea (Vigna ungiculata (L.)Walp)

Abstract

A study was conducted in cowpea (Vigna ungiculata) varieties, VBN 3 and CO(CP) 7 to find the efficiency and effectiveness of physical (Gamma rays and Electron beam) and chemical (EMS) mutagens. A wide range of chlorophyll mutants and viable mutants were observed in the field. Overall chlorophyll mutant and viable mutant frequency was higher in EMS treatments in both the varieties. Mutagenic efficiency and effectiveness was also found to be higher in EMS treatments followed by electron beam and gamma rays. Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency decreased with increase in doses of all mutagenic treatments.

Keywords

• cowpea
• mutagenic efficiency
• effectiveness
• gamma ray
• electron beam
• ems