Effect of physical mutagen on qualitative and quantitative traits of Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon L.) varieties

Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon L.), a widely used warm-season grass, is valued for its resilience to drought and traffic, making it a popular choice for sports fields and institutional lawns. However, the availability of varieties suitable to specific regions and purposes is limited. This study investigated to see the effect of physical mutagen on qualitative and quantitative traits of bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon L.) varieties. We used FRB design with two factors with four levels: varieties (Local, Panama, Palma, Selection-1) and gamma radiation (00, 40, 80 and 120 Gy). Following treatment with gamma radiation, 30 cuttings were planted in a grow bag and observed the changes in sprouting percentage, leaf dimensions, stolon characteristics, and chlorophyll content and analysed the same. The results revealed a strong negative correlation between increased radiation doses and survival rate. It was found that stolon internodal length and stolon internodal diameter were maximum in treatment having Palma with 80 Gy and Panama with 40 Gy respectively. According to the SPAD value, treatment with Local and 00 Gy doses outperformed others. Four mutants with significant changes in inter-nodal length were identified, particularly at lower radiation doses. These findings suggest that gamma irradiation can effectively induce beneficial mutations in Bermuda grass, contributing to the development of improved varieties with desirable growth traits for turf diversity.