Journal of Environmental Biology

Induction of genetic variability for quantitative traits in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum) through irradiation mutagenesis

S. Priyanka¹, R. Sudhagar²*, C. Vanniarajan³, K. Ganesamurthy¹ and J. Souframanien⁴

¹Centre for Plant Breeding and Genetics, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Coimbatore-641 003, India

²Sugarcane Research Station, Melalathur, Tamil Nadu Agricultural University, Vellore- 635 806, India

³Department of Plant Breeding and Genetics, Agricultural College and Research Institute, Madurai- 625 104, India

⁴Nuclear Agriculture and Biotechnology Division, BARC, Mumbai - 400 085, India

*Corresponding Author Email : sudhagar.r@tnau.ac.in

Received: 23.04.2020                                                                     Revised: 18.09.2020                                                         Accepted: 05.03.2021

Abstract

Aim: The study was conducted to explore the magnitude of variability induced by gamma rays, electron beam and its combinations for quantitative traits in horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum (Lam) Verdc.).

Methodology: The horsegram cultivar PAIYUR 2 was irradiated with twelve combinations involving G, EB and G+EB. Desirable mutagenic doses were identified in M₁ based on plant injuries and forwarded to M₂. Data on 11 yield component traits were recorded on normal looking M₂ plants for identification of micro-mutants. Promising mutants were forwarded to M₃ and the induced variability was ascertained using multivariate statistics.

Results: Significant transgressive variants were observed in M₂. The G+EB combination induced superior variants for yield. A positive shift in mean for yield and its attributing traits was observed in M₃. Most of the polygenic traits were governed by additive gene effects.      

Interpretation: The increased mean for most of the polygenic traits in M₃ population proved that selection made on early generation was highly effective. The isolated high yielding mutant progenies of selected families will contribute towards yield improvement in horsegram.       

Key words: Electron beam, Gamma rays, Horsegram, Induced variability

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