Induced variability in quantitative characters of groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Groundnut genotype AK-280 was treated with EMS 40 mM, 60 mM, gamma rays 30 kR, 40 kR, 50 kR and combination treatment of EMS 20 mM + gamma rays 20 kR. The observations on various quantitative characters were recorded in M₂ generation. The flowering and maturity period was not much affected. For the character height of main axis genotype showed differential response to different treatments of mutagens. Significantly reduced height was observed in 40 kR gamma rays (7.57 cm) as compared to control. Lower doses of EMS (40 mM) and combined treatment of EMS 20 mM + gamma rays 20 kR proved effective in increasing the number of primary branches. Significant increase in number of secondary branches was observed in various treatments. Significant reduction in number of hanging pegs per plant was observed in 40 kR treatment. Number of matured pods per plant were found decreased in all the treatments except 40 mM EMS treatment. Pod yield per plant and kernel yield per plant were found increased in combined treatment of EMS 20 mM + gamma rays 20 kR. Hundred pod weight and hundred kernel weight was found increased in combined treatments and in lower dose of gamma rays (30 kR). Combined treatments and lower doses of mutagens were found effective in increasing sound mature kernel per cent. Shelling per cent and oil content were found increased in all the treatments. In the present investigation the combined treatment of EMS 20 mM + gamma rays 20 kR and gamma rays 40 kR alone were found more effective for inducing wide range of mutation in groundnut.