Abstract

Induced qualitative mutations in two groundnut cultivars, TMV 9 and Ah 7911. their frequency and spectrum are presented. Qualitative mutations in M, consisted. of chloro- phyll and viable mutants. The spectum of chlorophyll mutations showed differential response of the two varieties to mutagenic treatments. Combination treatment in TMV 9 and higher dose of gamma rays in Ah 7911 resulted in less than additive values for chlorophyll muta- tion, Induced viable mutations included mutations for dwarfism, kernel size, testa colour and growth habit. Mutations for testa colour, consisted of brown. purple, red, white varie- gated end purple lining around micropyle as against rose testa in the contrel. Two mutants having semispreading growth habit possessed desirable features of short stature, higher pod and kernel vield, bold kernets and increased shelling percent compared to that of control.

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