Determination of lethal (LD) and growth reduction (GR)doses on acute and chronic gamma- irradiated Bambara groundnut [Vigna subterranea (L.) Verdc.]varieties

Bambara groundnut is a highly nutritious underutilized legume with enormous potential to sustain food security in resource-poor countries. However, its for improvement through conventional breeding (< 2% success rate) limitation due the nature of flowers. Thus, most viable method improving this crop by creating genetic variability induced mutagenesis. The present study was conducted evaluate radiosensitivity two varieties irradiated acute and chronic gamma irradiations determine lethal dose (LD) growth reduction (GR). Healthy seeds both were exposed irradiation using Cesium-137 at 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, 125, 150, 175, 200, 250, 300 Gy. For irradiation, two-week-old seedlings genotypes accumulated doses 8.52, 17.04, 35.56, 34.09, 42.61, 59.65, 93.74, 144.87, 255.64, 570.94 Gy, respectively, Gamma Green House (GGH) 60 days. result from variance analysis indicated significant differences (P < 0.01) all evaluated traits except internode length. A linear regression model developed mean LD GR genotypes. established (LD25, 75) on Ex-Sokoto variety 160, 250 Gy while 68, 148, 227 recorded Karo variety, respectively. 47, 444 whereas 70, 264, 452 observed Karo. Variations between gamma-irradiated methods irradiations. Generally, growth, development, survival rate increase decrease gamma-irradiation doses. can be utilized large-scale mutagenesis programs generating wide range mutants groundnut.