Mutagenic effect of gamma rays and EMS on seed germination, seedling height reduction and survivability of chick pea (Cicer arietinum L.) var. Co - 4

The effect of gamma irradiation and EMS treatment on seed germination and seedling height of Chick pea (Cicer arietinum. L.). In this regard Co-4 variety of chick pea was subjected to different doses/concentrations of gamma rays (20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 kR) and EMS (10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 mM) for inducing mutation. The effect of mutagen was observed on the basis of percentage of seed germination, seedling height reduction at 15th day and survivability. From the result it was observed that, the percentage of seed germination, seedling height reduction at 15th day and survivability were significantly decreased with increasing doses/concentrations of mutagen. The effective doses/ concentrations which caused 50 % growth reduction were 40kR in gamma rays and 30 mM in EMS.