ISOLATION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF USEFUL MUTANTS INDUCED BY GAMMA-IRRADIATION IN KRANTI INDIAN MUSTARD (BRASSICA-JUNCEA)

Genetic variability was induced in the 'Kranti' indian mustard [Brassi ca juncea (L.) Czernj. & Cosson], utilizing 30, 40 and 50 kr doses of gamma-ray irradiation. In M-3 generation, compared with the control, s ubstantial decrease was observed in the mean values of various quantit ative characters in the mutagen-treated populations. More variation wa s induced at 30 kr compared with that at 40 or 50 kr dose. Four mutant s were identified at 30 kr dose, which besides being early in maturity , gave better yield also-compared with the control. The better seed yi eld of the transmutated plants was due either to increase in sed weigh t or to increase in number of siliquae/plant.