Question:

Which of the following tuberose cultivars were developed through induced mutation?
(A). Pusa Manmohak
(B). Rajat Rekha
(C). Pusa Anmol
(D). Swarna Rekha

Show Hint

In tuberose, the varieties ending in “Rekha” (meaning line/streak)—“Rajat Rekha” (silvery margins) and “Swarna Rekha” (golden margins)—are famous gamma-ray induced foliage mutants developed at NBRI, Lucknow.
  • A and B only
  • B and C only
  • A and D only
  • B and D only
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The Correct Option is D

Solution and Explanation

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Tuberose (Polianthes tuberosa), belonging to the family Asparagaceae, is a popular bulbous ornamentals cultivated for its fragrant, white flower spikes.
Because tuberose has limited genetic variability and is commercially propagated vegetatively through bulbs, classical breeding through hybridization is difficult.
Consequently, mutation breeding (using physical mutagens like gamma rays or chemical mutagens like EMS) is an important tool for developing new cultivars with unique foliage, flowers, or growth habits.

Step 2: Detailed Explanation:

Let us analyze the origin of the given tuberose cultivars:
(A). Pusa Manmohak:
This is a high-yielding, double-flowered cultivar developed through conventional selection and hybridization at IARI, New Delhi.
Thus, it is not a mutant variety.
(B). Rajat Rekha:
This is a famous mutant cultivar of tuberose developed through gamma irradiation of bulbs at the National Botanical Research Institute (NBRI), Lucknow.
It is a single-flowered variety characterized by distinct silvery-white streaks along the margins of its green leaves.
Thus, (B) is an induced mutant variety.
(C). Pusa Anmol:
This is a commercial tuberose cultivar developed through hybridization at IARI, New Delhi.
Thus, it is not a mutant variety.
(D). Swarna Rekha:
This is another famous mutant cultivar of tuberose developed through gamma irradiation of bulbs at NBRI, Lucknow.
It is a double-flowered variety characterized by golden-yellow stripes along the margins of its leaves.
Thus, (D) is an induced mutant variety.
Therefore, “Rajat Rekha” and “Swarna Rekha” are the two prominent tuberose cultivars developed through induced mutation.

Step 3: Final Answer:

Hence, the correct option containing only the mutant varieties is (D).
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