Effect of irradiation on tyrosinase activity in dwarf wheats

Irradiation studies were conducted with three hexaploid dwarf wheats, viz., 'Sonalika' (single-dwarf), 'Chhoti Lerma' (double-dwarf) and 'Hira' (triple-dwarf) with a view to induce mutants with little or no tyrosinase activity. By screening a large M2 population with the help of phenol colour reaction technique, a few mutants with low tyrosinase activity were isolated. One mutant in 'Chhoti Lerma' showed almost negative reaction. Ten other mutants having lighter reaction have been isolated in the three varieties studied. (author)