Genetic analysis of M4 mutant lines of pigeonpea (Cajanus cajan (l.) Millspaugh) developed through gamma irradiation

Abstract

Two doses of gamma rays i.e. 300 Gy and 400 Gy were used to induce mutations in pigeonpeacultivar AL 201. A set of 20 M3 derived M4 mutantlines were evaluated for various yield and component traits. The analysis of variance showed highly significant differences among the genotypes for all the characters indicating the presence of high degree of variability. The line AL 2138 (122 days and 191 cm) was identified as the shortest (191 cm tall) and earliest maturing line (122 days) with higher yield (1416 kg/ha) than the parent variety AL 201 (1375 kg/ha). It also recorded higher 100-seed weight (8.4 g) than parent (7.4 g). Moderate estimate of GCV was recorded for number of fruiting branches (12.47%) and seed yield per plot (10.95%). Heritability was highest for days to maturity (93.83%) followed by days to flowering (90.89%) and pods per plant (77.63%). Highest genetic advance as percent of mean was observed for number of fruiting branches (19.74) followed by pods per plant (15.50), seed yield per plot (13.40) and days to flowering (13.04). Seed yield recorded positive and significant correlation with fruiting branches, pods per plant, 100-seed weight, plant height, days to flowering and days to maturity but negative correlation with seed protein content.