Assessment of genetic variability for yield and galactomannan content in M3 generation of cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) cv. MDU 1

Abstract

An attempt for induced mutagenesis was done in Cluster bean (Cyamopsis tetragonoloba (L.) Taub.) cv. MDU 1 using the chemical mutagen EMS to create genetic variability for getting novel trait such as increased galactomannan. The present study revealed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance as percent of mean for plant height, days to first flowering, number of pods per plant, number of seeds per pod, galactomannan and crude fiber content which are controlled by additive genes favoring for selection but pod length, pod girth and seed yield per plant showed greater variability due to the environmental influence and non-additive gene action for these parameters in M3 generation of cluster bean. Significant correlation was observed between the galactomannan content and other traits facilitating for morphological screening of mutants for this biochemical trait. It is concluded that selection could be done in M3 generation for forwarding higher galactomannan content to the proceeding generations of M4, M5 and M6 in the breeding programme.