Effectiveness and efficiency of chemical mutagens in cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp)

A study was undertaken in a cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) variety CO 6 to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of chemical mutagens; ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS), diethyl sulphate (DES) and sodium azide (SA). EMS treatments were found highly effective than the other chemicals. Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency decreased with increase in all mutagenic treatments.