Effect of seed irradiation on some plant characters of Limabean (Phaseolus lunatus (L.) in M1 generation

A study of gamma rays induced mutations in the local variety of Limabean was aimed to develop determinate plant type having high yielding ability. The effect of gamma radiation on germination, seedling survival, days to flowering, pollen fertility and morphological deviants were studied in M1 generation. There was reduction of germination, seedling survival and pollen fertility at higher doses. The flowering was also delayed as the dose increased. Few plants showing variations in different morphological characters were identified in M1 generation. The frequency of these morphological variations was more at 15 and 20 Kr treatments. Promising mutants selected were found to be superior to the source variety. Further, these will be screened for their utility. (author)