The application of gamma irradiation to induce mutant soybeans (Glycine max (L.) Merr.)

To assure large assortment of soybean varieties a mutation breeding program has been under progress since 1972 at the Agricultural University, Goedoelloe, Hungary. The seeds of numerous varieties were irradiated by cobalt-60 gamma rays with a dose of 10-30 kR. Early maturing mutants of high yields were selected and the oil, methionin, lysin and protein contents of the selected varieties were determined. The effects of the genotypes and grafting on the qualitative and quantitative features of soybeans were investigated. (V.N.)