High yielding mutants in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

An experiment was conducted to evaluate the extent of genetic variability for quantitative traits in M₄ mutants of chickpea following mutagenesis with EMS and SA. A considerable increase in mean values for pod bearing branches per plant, pods per plant and yield per plant (g) was noticed among the isolated mutant lines. Increased pod bearing branches and pods significantly boosted the seed yield among the mutants. Estimates of genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance for yield and yield components were also recorded to be higher in the treated population. Increase in mean values coupled with an increase in genetic variability for yield contributing traits of these mutants suggests further possibilities of selecting more promising lines with high yield potential.