In the present study, induction of physical and
chemical mutagens was used to hand pick morpho-logical
mutants in M2 and M3 generations. Not much evidence is
accessible on the nutrient and biochemical composition of
Phaseolus lunatus L. Hence in the current investigation, an
attempt has been made to comprehend the nutritional and
biochemical valuation of Phaseolus lunatus L. (lima bean)
which is consumed by tribals. The biochemical analysis of
leaf, seed and immature pod content of lima bean were used
to estimate chlorophyll (a, b) and protein content. Maximum
chlorophyll content was observed in dark green leaf mutant
and minimum was documented in robust mutant. Total
volume of chlorophyll in lima bean was highly significant
and had positive correlation with Chl a and Chl b at 1%
significance level.
In current estimation of proteins, the pods, dry seeds and
leaves displayed increase in total protein in many viable
mutants of lima bean. As related to control protein in seeds
increased as the dose/concentration of gamma rays, ethyl
methanesulphonate (EMS) and combination of both
mutagens increased. Leaf protein content in M3 generation
mutants showed 4 to 6%. Highest total protein was seen in
dark green leaf and lowermost was in robust mutant.
Compared to control there was positive shift in mean value
of the total leaf protein. Total protein content for immature
pods raised to 3.9 to 5.9%. Early flowering mutants had
maximum and tall mutants had minimum protein value.
Dark green leaf mutant (27.8) had maximum and late
flowering mutant (30.0%) had minimum total protein
content in them.