Induced mutagenesis on growth, yield and yield attributing traits in buckwheat (Fagopyrum tartaricum)

The present study was conducted to assess the impact of induced mutagenesis on the growth, yield, and seedling traits of buckwheat (Fagopyrum tartaricum) using the genotype IC59921, at SHUATS, Prayagraj. The research utilized a Randomized Block Design (RBD) for field trials and a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) for laboratory experiments, incorporating eleven treatments, including a control (T0), ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) treatments (T1-T4) at concentrations of 0.3% and 0.5% for 3 and 6 hours, as well as gamma irradiation (T5-T10) with doses ranging from 5 to 30 kR. The results showed that EMS treatment at 0.5% for 6 hours significantly enhanced seedling growth and key yield parameters. Additionally, lower doses of gamma radiation positively impacted these traits, while higher doses resulted in reduced germination and overall growth. The study underscores the potential of mutagenesis to improve the growth and productivity of buckwheat, offering a valuable approach for its genetic enhancement in crop improvement programs.