Gamma-rays induced genome wide stable mutations in cowpea deciphered through whole genome sequencing

Purpose Gamma rays are the most widely exploited physical mutagen in plant mutation breeding. They are known to be involved in the development of more than 60% of global cowpea (Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.) mutant varieties. Nevertheless, the nature and type of genome-wide mutations induced by gamma rays have not been studied in cowpea and therefore, the present investigation was undertaken.