Characterization of Mungbean Mutants [Vigna radiata (L.) Wilczek] in M4 and M5 Generations

Abstract

Background: An understanding the mungbean mutant lines with the check varieties can help in identifying mutants in better adoption. The present experiment was conducted to assess the genetic variation and morpho-metric characteristics of mungbean mutants in M4 and M5 generation. Methods: A set of 7 M3 progenies along with parent Pratap and 5 check was evaluated for M4 and M5 generation using randomized complete block design with three replications during kharif 2018 and summer 2019 in the experimental area of Instructional cum Research Farm, College of Agriculture, Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat, Assam. Result: Significant differences were observed for most of the traits in both M4 and M5 generation. High heritability estimate coupled with high genetic advance as per cent of mean was documented for numbers of branches per plant, pods per plant, percentage of disease incidence, 100 seeds weight and seed yield per plant in both the generation indicate the pre-ponderance of additive gene action. Seed yield per plant was found to be significantly and positively correlated with numbers of pods per cluster, seeds per pod, pod length and 100 seeds weight at genotypic and phenotypic level in both M4 and M5 generation. The traits 100 seeds weight and branches per plant had showed positive direct effect on seed yield in both the generations; hence these two traits might be most effective for selection of higher yield mutants in mung bean.