Mutation research on groundnut in India

Induction of mutations is an additional tool to improve crop plants. During the past two decades ionising radiations were used at the Bhabha Atomic Research Centre, Bombay to induce mutations in groundnut. Subsequently other institutions have also started mutation research in this crop. Several mutants affecting important characters viz., plant height, number and growth of branches, leaf size and colour, pod size and number were induced. Beneficial mutants for direct use were rare. Intercrossing mutants enhanced genetic variability for selection. More than twenty cultures were thus developed possessing improved (i) yield potential, (ii) oil content, and (iii) kernel quality. Results of different centres in the country are summarised and discussed. (author)