Gamma Radiosensitivity Study on Long Bean (Vigna Sesquipedalis) (Report‪)‬

INTRODUCTION Mutation means a sudden heritable change in the genetic material at the gene or chromosome level(1). They may be caused by error during cell division or by exposure to the DNA-damaging agents or mutagens in the environment. A wide range of characters which have been improved through induced mutation breeding include plant architecture, yield, flowering and maturity duration, quality and tolerance to biotic and abiotic stresses. About 89 % of mutant varieties have been developed using physical mutagens such as X-rays, gamma rays, thermal and fast neutrons where as with gamma rays alone accounting for the development of 60 % of the mutant varieties(2).