Induced variability was studied in the quantitative characters of mung bean (Phaseolus aureus Roxb.) after treatment with gamma rays, ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS), and hydrazine hydrate (HZ) in M1, M2, and M3 generations. The characters evaluated were seeds per pod, 100-seed weight, and total plant yield. The variability increased in almost all of the characters in the M1 generation. The mean number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight decreased, whereas the plant yield did not show any particular trend. There was an increase in the mean values after gamma irradiation and EMS treatments in the M2 generation. However, HZ fails to show the same response. However, the mean values increased in the M3 generation. Estimates of heritability were higher for 100-seed weight, followed by plant yield, and then seeds per pod in the M3 generation. Coefficient of genotypic variation and genetic advance were high for the plant yield in M2 and M3 generations. In general, the genotypic coefficient of variation values, heritability, and genetic advance increased more in M3 as compared with M2, indicating that the significant gain could possibly be achieved through selection in M3 generation.Key words: quantitative, heritability, mutagenesis.
Mutagenic Effectiveness and Efficiency of Gamma Rays, Ethyl Methane Sulphonate and their Combination Treatments in Chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)
