Genetic variability of morphological mutants induced by gamma rays and ems in chickpea (variety-vijay and pkv-2)

Chickpea is an important grain legume cultivated worldwide. Both desi and kabuli biotypes are widely used as prime source of protein in many countries of the world. A narrow genetic base is one of the major bottlenecks in chickpea improvement programs. Induced mutations can be an effective way to introduce variability in the existing germplasm/cultivars for their effective utilization in the breeding programs. Genetic variability of morphological mutations induced by varying doses of physical (gamma rays) and chemical (EMS) mutagens in M2 population was studied in one desi (Vijay) and one kabuli (PKV-2) varieties of chickpea. In M2 population, 42 different types of morphological mutations in different parts of the plants, such as growth habit, branching pattern, stem structure, foliage type architecture and color, plant height, pod and seed size, flower color, flowering behavior and maturity was observed. Further the mutants were also grouped on the basis of variability observed in single, two or multiple traits. EMS was found to be more effective than gamma rays in induction of chlorophyll variations in both the cultivars. Overall lower doses of both mutagens were found to induce more variation as compare to higher doses. The mutations per 1000 M2 progeny was recorded highest in 300 Gy gamma radiations and 0.2% EMS for variety Vijay and 150 Gy gamma radiations and 0.2% EMS in variety PKV-2. Both gamma rays and EMS were found to have significant mutagenic potential to induce morphological variations in Chickpea.