REPORT OF AN UNSTABLE GENE SYSTEM IN BRASSICA JUNCEA L. COSS and CZERN VAR. RLM 198

Abstract

An anthocyanin containing mutant was induced by 0.5% EMS treatment in Brassica juncea L. Coss andIt Czern. var. RLM 198 in Ml generation. This mutant had purple coloured anthocyanin sectors on green leaves giving the plant a varie~ated phenotype. The mutant phenotype appears to be under the control of an unstable gene system or a transposable element system as evident by lack of consistent genetic segregation pattern in subsequent generations, somatic variegation, appearance of new allelic forms, stable green revertants and putative germinal revertants. Usefulness of these mutants in gene cloning strategies and in elucidating the role of anthocyanin pigment as U.V. protectants is discussed.