Induced Polygenic Variability and Selection Strategy for Seed Yield in Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus L.)

Genetic variation induced in grasspea c v. Dhenkanal local following mutagenesis varied with mutagens, generations and characters studied. Number of seeds, pods and seed yield/plant were found to be docile for induced genetic variation. Treatments e.g., 40kR-^γ-ray + 0.01% NG and 40kR ^γ-ray + 0.2% EMS + 0.01% NG induced appreciable genetic variation for seed yield with widest range, comparable mean value, high GCV, h²(bs) and GA compared to control in M₂ and M₃. Whereas, 0.02–0.03% NG with similar consideration had higher genetic variability in M₃ than M₂ indicating release of additional variability and further scope for selection of high yielding mutants. In contrast, 0.01% NG might be amenable for direct selection as it had the highest mean seed yield per plant along with low GCV, h²(bs) and GA.