Evaluation of Performance of Induced Mutants In Mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek]

To enhance genetic variation for desirable traits, the present study on mutation breeding in mungbean crop was initiated with two varieties K-851 and Sona mung, both treated with four doses of gamma rays (100, 200, 300 and 400 Gy). The gamma ray has been widely used for the improvement of various traits of crops, Songsri et al. (2011) and Aney (2013). Mutations could be induced through physical and chemical mutagens, Ahloowalia et al. (2004), Chopra (2005), Jain (2005) and Sangsiri (2005). Auti. (2012) reported that induced mutation in mungbean plays an important role in creating genetic variability, he also stated that high yielding varieties in mungbean is possible by the exploitation of mutation breeding. For yield and its attributing traits, selection was practiced on the basis of the traits showing high positive correlation with primary trait like yield per plant.  In Cv. Sona mung, number of branches per plant, clusters per plant, pod per plant, pod per cluster had shown significant positive effect whereas, plant height, number of branches per plant, pod per plant and 100 seed weight showed significant positive effect in Cv. K-851. Coefficient of variation for most of the traits was successively reduced in advanced generations indicating attainment of uniformity within families in the advance generations.  Four high yielding mutant families accompanied by high harvest index were identified in M7 generation from 200 and 400 Gy of Sona mung and 200 and 300 Gy of K-851 and families from 200 Gy also showed synchronous maturity for about 80 percent pods.  Some of the high yielding families from 300 Gy of K-851 had reduced test weight, thus providing scope for development of high yielding small seeded varieties in mungbean.