Induced mutation in the improvement of beans

A program on mutational rectification was undertaken in 1978 utilizing gamma radiation, as seed treatment for three local cultivars of compea, Vigna unguiculata plus one cultivar of mungbean, Vigna radiata. The selection criteria were compact plant type with determinate habit, early maturity, resistance to Macrophomina and high yield. The selected material now in M7 generation, selection being made in M2 for plant type. In subsequent generations selections were made for resistance to Macrophomina, stability of plant type, uniform pod filling, seed size, good nodulation, synchronous flowering and productivity under close spacing conditions. Simultaneous studies on root development were made at seedling stage. In mungbean, emphasis on non-shattering was made. Finally 12 mutants were selected in M5, with uniformity for the cited characters and higher yields than the parental material, ranging from 20 to 110% superior yield in some mutants and sowing dates. Multilocation trials are being conducted to test the wide adaptability of these mutants. Chemical mutagenesis using sodium azide with and without gamma radiation was also used. From these trials nonnodulating mutants were recovered. These materials are being multiplied to be used in basic studies of the Rhizobium - legume symbiosis. Ecophysiological studies of the promising mutants have been carried out under different sowing dates at 45 day intervals. These results are of wide interest in studies of tropical adaptation of grain legumes, on which very few reports are available so far. These results are discussed with particular reference to yield and its stability for the cropping system in Venezuela. (author)