M₂ Generation Evaluation under Field Conditions for Quantitative Characters

Induced mutation has been used to a good extent to create genetic variability in plant species to achieve the desiredvariation. This study focused on the evaluation of mutant population from Rathu Heenati and PTB 33 during Rabi 2010–2011. A total of 328 M₂ families (167 from Rathu Heenati and 161 from PTB33) were evaluated for the quantitative traits in M₂ generation. The data collected on plant height, number of tillers/plant, productive tillers, number of grains/panicle, singleplant yield and spikelet sterility were analyzed and significance among genotypes was observed for all traits under different treatments. The treated population showed significantly higher variability than parents, indicating the induced variability for these characters. The mean values for different traits shifted either to positive or negative direction away from the controldue to mutagenic treatments. The mean plant height reduction, panicle length variation, lesser number of productive tillers, increased spikelet sterility and lower single plant yield was observed in 300Gy and 350Gy gamma ray treated families.