Phenotypic diversity in mutagenized population of urdbean (Vigna mungo (L.) Hepper)

The present study was conducted to assess the extent of induced genetic variability and to determine the inheritance pattern of various yield contributing phenotypic traits in M₂ and M₃ generations of urdbean following mutagenesis with single and combination treatments of gamma rays and ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS). The mean number of seeds per pod and 100-seed weight increased in all the mutagenic treatments in both the varieties with few exceptions in M₂ generation. Mean pod length although increased considerably, however it did not differ significantly in most of the mutagenic treatments. In M₃ generation, 0.2% EMS and 300 Gy γ rays+0.2% EMS treatments induced maximum increase in mean pod length, seeds per pod and 100-seed weight in both the varieties. Genetic parameters showed manifold increase in most of the mutagenic treatments and varied from trait to trait. Increased genetic variability for economically important traits in the selected mutant lines has successfully contributed in diversifying the accessible genetic base which could be exploited for subsequent improvement of urdbean through phenotypic selection.