MUTAGEN INDUCED STRESS RESPONSE AND ITS IMPLICATION IN IMPROVEMENT OF RAPESEED AND MUSTARD

An experiment with M1 and M2 generation following treatment of one variety each of mustard (Brassica juncea) and rapeseed (Brassica campestris var. toria) with three different doses of Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and Diethyl sulphate (DES) revealed that the mustard variety is less sensitive than rapeseed variety for EMS whereas the reverse trend was noticed for DES in respect of mutagen induced stress response. The EMS and DES mutagenesis may be recommended for improvement of the rapeseed and mustard varieties respectively. The analysis of stress response is considered helpful in predicting changes in mean and variability of some traits like siliqua per plant and plant height in favourable direction