Jejoma G. Armachuelo and Fernando A. Bernardo
ABSTRACT
Mutation and other effects of Co60 gamma radiation and ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) in winged bean were determined at the M1 generation. Seed germination was significantly reduced by irradiation at all levels used but only at 0.15% and above for EMS. Delayed seedling emergence, high lethality and pronounced morphological and probably physiological damage due to chromosomal aberrations resulted with the radiation treatments but not with EMS at the doses used. Chlorophyll mutations were observed as yellowish emergent seedlings resulting from EMS treatments and yellow variegations and leaf streaking associated with leaf deformations with irradiation. Violet flowers and seeds were also observed in both mutagen treatments but could not be ascertained as true mutations since the seeds used were not tested for purity. On the yield components, significant reduction in number of seeds per pod, and yields of pods, seeds and tubers were observed in the radiation treatments. Doses of 15 and 25 kr, however, resulted in a higher tuber yield compared with the control signifying a likely induction of favorable gene mutations. No significant effects were induced by EMS treatments on any yield parameter.
Keywords: Winged bean. Psophocarpus tetragonolobus. Mutation. Co60 gamma radiation. Ethyl methane sulfonate. Mutagens. Irradiation. Chlorophyll mutation. Gene mutation. Seed purity. Yield components.
Annals of Tropical Research 3 (4):(1981)
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