Induction of Genetic Variability Through Mutagenesis in Rabi Sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

The ‘TSV-32’ rabi sorghum genotype was used to create a mutation using an electron beam. The experimental material included several electron beam, viz., 100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy, and 500 Gy, as well as wet and dry control seeds. Individual plants were selfed, harvested, and recorded for putative mutations that might have been present in the M₁ generations. During Rabi 2022-23, the M2 generation, comprising a total of 36 mutant progenies from seven different treatments, was assessed using a random block design with three replications. Among the M₂ generation, genetic variability was significant for yield and yield contributing traits. In most treatments, a relatively higher mean performance was observed compared to the control for all traits, except days to 50% flowering, days to maturity, number of grains per primary panicle, panicle width, and 100-seed weight. For the majority of the characters in the segregating M₂ generation, the GCV and PCV values revealed significant variability. Moderate GCV, PCV, and GAM values were found for grain yield per plant, and GAM values were also found for grain yield per plant and 100-seed weight.