Optimalization of mutagens doses in field bean (Vicia faba minor) breeding

The article contains results of a laboratory experiment performed to determine the degree of stem and root length reduction in field bean seedlings grown from seeds treated with mutagens - physical (gamma-ray radiation and fast neutrons) and chemical ( N-nitroso-N-ethylurea - NEU and N-nitroso-N-methylurea - NMU). Among physical mutagens the largest reduction of stem and root length was caused by doses from 9 to 15 kR of gamma-ray radiation, while among chemical mutagens - by NEU at 0.050% and 0.075% concentration. All mutagens, except gamma-ray radiation, caused a larger reduction in root than in stem length. In most cases the degree of root and stem reduction increased with increasing mutagen dose. (author)