INDUCED MUTATIONS IN THE COMMON BEAN, PHASEOLUS-VULGARIS L, AFFECTING FLOWER COLOR AND SEED CHARACTERISTICS

Gamma ray doses of 0 (control), 6, 12, 18, 24, and 30 krads were applied to dormant seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris L., cv. Milionario 1732 (BAT 65). Mutations affecting flower and seedcoat color, and other seed characteristics were detected in the M2 generation. Highest mutation frequencies were induced with 24 krads. Mutants with white flowers, different seedcoat colors, shiny seedcoat, and altered size and shape of seeds were obtained. At least two mutated loci affecting seedcoat color were involved in four of the six segregating M2 progenies.