Mitomycin C induced leaf mosaicism in Glycine max (L.) Merrill in relation to the post-germination age of the seed.

The frequency of mitomycin C induced somatic crossing over in variety L65-1237 of Glycine max is shown to be dependent upon the (physiological) age of the seed during post germination period. Effect of mitomycin C during the first four hr of germination is significantly lower than during later periods. This increase in the frequency of somatic crossing over is observed up to about 20-24 hr and is then followed by a decrease. These changes did not appear to be related to the onset and pattern of synthesis of DNA or/and proteins in the embryonic tissues. However, mitomycin C is effective even when no DNA synthesis is going on.