Effect of Chemical Mutagen on Growth Parameters of Foxtail Millet (Setaria italica L.) in M1 Generation

In the modern day, breeding techniques that use physical and chemical mutagens to induce mutation in a variety of plants are quite effective in increasing the crop’s economic worth through genetic alteration.

Foxtail millet [Setaria italica (L.) Beauv.] seeds were subjected to a range of ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) concentrations, from 0.2% to 0.9%, to produce genetic variability in the current study. The data were recorded in germination paper, pot culture and field conditions for genetic variations.

The mutant 1 (M1) generation of foxtail millet showed differences in seed germination percentage seedling height, seedling damage and plant survival at maturity. The study revealed that 0.2% EMS was the optimal dose for inducing desirable mutations, achieving high seed germination (87.96%), minimal seedling injury (5.49%) and enhanced survival (83.73%). This treatment improved key traits like productive tillers, flag leaf length and panicle length, while reducing plant height (7.10 cm), favouring early maturity. Higher EMS doses (0.3% and 0.4%) induced excessive injury (30.34% and 50.19%) and reduced survival, making them less effective. Overall, 0.2% EMS demonstrated superior mutagenic efficiency and effectiveness, offering potential for enhancing desirable traits in foxtail millet breeding.