Dry seeds of Vigna subterranean (L.) Verde were exposed to varying concentrations (0%-1%) of streptomycin (ST) for 24 hours and their effects on chemo-sensitivity and agronomic parameters reported. Streptomycin was effective for inducing vegetative abnormalities (reduced plant height, swollen nodes) and different leaf colourations. However, 0.05% ST induced increases in the number of leaves, branches and root nodules per plant. The streptomycin treatment resulted in the reduction in number of days to flower at low concentration levels (0.005 and 0.05%ST) and could be utilized for improvement in the maturity date of the crop. The mutagenic frequency ranged from 2.75 to 42.7% of the surviving plants and the values increased with increases in concentrations of the chemical. The mutagenic effectiveness of streptomycin decreased with increases in concentrations. This made the lower concentrations of 0.005 and 0.05 % ST the most effective in inducing mutants in Bambara ground nut. The results indicated that the higher the concentration, the higher the level of lethality. Consequently, the higher concentrations recorded higher efficiency in inducing lethality.
