Frequency and spectrum of chlorophyll mutations in groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Using gamma rays, ethyl methane sulfonate and sodium azide, seven types of chlorophyll mutants viz., albino, xantha, chlorina, viridis, alboviridis, xanthoviridis and maculata were induced in two groundnut genotypes. The frequencies were calculated as percent of M-2 seedlings. Based on the regression chlorophyll mutation frequencies increased with increased doses/concentrations of mutagen, reached plateau and declined thereafter. Chlorophyll mutation was dose dependent but independent to mutagenic treatments. In general, no significant differences were observed for mutagens and genotypes on induction of chlorophyll mutations. A significant difference was observed between doses and seven types of chlorophyll deficient mutants.