Studies on the effect of gamma rays on egg plant

The dry seeds of the cultivar 'Annamalai' of egg plant (Solanum melongena L.) were treated with 10 to 50 krad gamma radiation in steps of 10 krad. The irradiated seeds were sown and M1 plants were selfed. Progeny of each M1 plant was raised for M2 generation. Germination percentage, pollen fertility and survival of seedlings decreased with increased radiation dose. 40 krad and beyond, complete lethality was observed. Flowering period, fruit size and fruit weight decreased with increase in radiation dose upto 20 krad while there was an increase at 30 krad. Mutants isolated in M2 were dwarf and short fruited. (M.G.B.)