Abstract

The studies on induced mutation in sunflower (Helianthus annuus L.) cv.morden were performed by exposing the healthy and dry seeds to gamma rays (5,10,15 and 20 KR) and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2%). The mutation frequency and spectrum were observed for plant morphology and yield characters, like plant height, plant habit, head morphology and seed characters in M, generation. The data for certain quantitative characters in M, generation such as plant height, days to 50% flowering, head diameter, yield per plant, 100-seeds weight and maturity were recorded to assess their usefulness and augmentation in sunflower cultivation and production.

Keywords: Mutagens, Plant morphology, Yield characters.