The Present investigation was undertaken with an objective to determine the effect of gamma rays on different biological parameters and efficacy of mutagen. The research programme was conducted in two generations namely M 1 and M 2 during rabi 2007-08 and 2008-09 at field Experimentation center, Department of Genetics and plant Breeding, Sam Higginbotom Institute of Agriculture, Technology & Sciences. The parent material, seeds of PUSA212 variety were irradiated with 10kR, 15kR, 20kR, 25kR and

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... 0kR doses of gamma rays at NBRI, Lucknow. Next day after treatment, the seeds along with control were space planted for raising M 1 generation. Each M 1 plant was harvested separately and desirable M 1 individual plant progeny rows were laid in RBD for raising M 2 generation. In M 1 generation, results showed a dose dependent retardation in biological parameters like seed germination, plant survival and 20kR was depicted as LD 50 indicating less damaging effect at lower doses on genetic material. In M 2 generation, Lower doses 10 kR and 15kR treatments were found as effective and efficient and a wide range of induced variability was observed in almost all traits. The mutants with small pods, tall and increased number of pods per plant were isolated in M 2 generation.