Evaluation of mutant progenies for improved morphological, fruit and yield traits

Abstract

Mutation was induced to create variability for plant height, shelf life, PRSV resistance and other desirable traits. Different treatments were employed viz., T1: Gamma-ray (Co60) (0.0Gy) (control), T2: Gamma-ray (Co60) (50Gy), T3: Gamma-ray (Co60) (100Gy), T4: Gamma-ray (Co60) (250Gy), T5: Gamma-ray (Co60) (500Gy), T6: Gamma-ray (Co60) (750Gy), T7: Gamma-ray (1000Gy), T8: EMS (0.0%) (Distilled water), T9: EMS (0.25 %), T10: EMS (0.50 %), T11: EMS (0.75 %) and T12: EMS (1.0 %). Studies revealed that significant variation was observed for all characters viz., morphological, fruit and quality parameters studied among mutant progenies. Different desirable traits were observed among mutant population viz., ultra-dwarf (R4P2-100 Gy), perfect hermaphrodite (R4P8-100 Gy), fruits with yellow pulp (R14P5- 500 Gy) and extended shelf life (R8P10-0.25 %). Plants with desirable traits were selfed, sib-mated and were forwarded to next generation.