Effect of gamma irradiation on some plant characters of mungbean (Vigna radiata L.) varieties

Three mungbean varieties viz., 6601, NHM37 and NHM51 were studied in M1 generation for some plant characters after exposure to gamma rays. The doses of gamma rays applied were 0 KR, 20 KR, 30 KR, 40 KR, 60 KR and 80 KR. Average over dose, percent germination was significantly higher (77.33) in 6601 compared to NHM37 (72.71), however, NHM37 fell between 6601 and NHM51. As far as radiation doses are concerned, the effect of radiation on the percent of germination was negative. At maturity, 6601 had height of 93.83 cm followed by NHM37 and NHM51 having height of 69.40 cm and 45.85 cm respectively. Pod was largest in NHM37 being 8.75 cm followed by NHM51 and 6601 having length of 7.55 cm and 7.11 cm respectively. Varieties NHM37 and NHM51 had statistically similar yield i.e. 2.12 and 2.11 g/plant respectively, significantly higher than 6601. The effect of radiation has been negative and positively correlated with dosage for all the parameters studied