The mutation breeding programme in grain legumes in Kenya

The objectives are radiation-induced mutants which, in bean, would lead to improved disease resistance, to induce lightened seed colour in Black bean, and to improve some physical characteristics. Similar objectives in principle are aimed at in pigeon pea and cowpea, including improved shattering resistance. Desirable nutritional and quality aspects are concerned with improved total crude protein and amino acid composition, reduction in anti-nutrient and flatulence factors in seed, and developing acceptability and nutrient qualities of cowpea leaves. Air-dried seeds of 3 bean, 7 cowpea and one pigeon pea cultivars were treated with 5 specific doses of gamma radiation (at a dose rate of 2430 rad/min). At the time of presentation the project had only just been started so that no results are given