RADIO SENSITIVITY OF VARIOUS CHICKPEA GENOTYPES IN M1 GENERATION I-LABORATORY STUDIES

The effect of gamma rays and EMS mutagens on germination and seedling growth of four chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.) genotypes i.e., two desi (Pb2000 and C44), one kabuli (Pb-1) and one desi x kabuli introgression genotype (CH40/91) were investigated. The treatments included two doses each of gamma irradiation and EMS. At lower doses of gamma rays, shoot and root lengths were increased in all four genotypes, whereas adverse effects were observed at higher doses/concentrations of gamma irradiation and EMS. The sensitivity of gamma irradiation and EMS appeared to be related to the seed size and type of genotypes. The desi x kabuli introgression (CH40/91) genotype was the most sensitive to physical mutagen than bold seeded desi and small seeded kabuli genotypes. The trend of radio and chemo resistance was in the order i.e., C44>Pb2000>Pb-1>CH40/91. The present study of radiosensitivity and response of desi x kabuli chickpea introgression genotype to the physical and chemical mutagens is the first report in chickpea