Mutagenic effect of EMS on seedling survival, yield and yield components inM1 generation of Rabi sorghum [Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench]

Abstract

Lack of genetic variability is the main reason for stagnation in rabi sorghum improvement. Under such situationinduced mutagenesis is one of the best approach for induction of genetic variability. Therefore, an investigation was carriedout in rabi sorghum to study the effect of chemical mutagen (EMS) on seedling survival in M1 generation. Seeds of four rabisorghum varities viz, M 35-1 (popular variety), SbABM (an axillary branched mutant), CSV29R and SPV2217 weresubjected to mutagenic treatments using EMS (0.1%, 0.2% and 0.3). In all the four varieties in M1 generation, 0.3% EMSshowed reduction in seedling and plant survival. Germination percentage redution was noticed in SbABM and CSV 29R.Reduction in vigour index and high percentage of sterile plants was observed in all EMS treatments across four varieties.