Gamma ray induced positive alterations in morphogenetic and yield attributing traits of finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) in M2 generation

Abstract

Induced mutagenesis by gamma rays plays a potent promising technology to be applied for crop improvement through breeding methods, especially in tiny florets possessing self- pollinated plants such as cereals. Finger millet (Eleusine coracana (L.) Gaertn.) which always ensured for valuable nutrients, as well as famine tolerant crop to supply food for global population throughout the year. The present study was performed to assess the spectrum and frequency of macro mutants induced by gamma radiations in M2 generation finger millet. The chlorophyll mutants viz., albina, xantha, chlorina and viridis and morphological mutants such as tall, dwarf, bushy, brittle stalk and broad leaf were recorded in different doses. Among the mutagen doses 600 Gy dose induced maximum increase in mean values and phenotypic and genotypic coefficients of variation for the plant height (cm), number of leaves per plant, leaf length (cm), number of tillers per plant, number of panicles per plant, panicle length, days to 50% flowering, and 1000 seeds weight. Except for panicle number/plant and 1000 seed weight, all traits showed high heritability in all doses. The results revealed a progressive decrease in mean values of quantitative traits with the increase in doses. The present study provides an idea about the optimum dose of gamma rays from a pool of doses that could be employed in future breeding programmes.