Genetic variability studies in mutant PVK 801 genotype of sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Abstract

The investigation, entitled "Study of genetic variability through induced mutation in M3 generation of Kharif sorghum [Sorghum bicolour (L.) Moench]," was conducted in Kharif 2020 at the experimental Research Farm of the Department of Agricultural Botany, VNMKV, Parbhani. Seeds of the PVK 801 genotype were exposed to varying gamma-ray doses and EMS concentrations (10 kR, 20 kR, 30 kR, 40 kR, 10 kR + 0.2% EMS, 20 kR + 0.2% EMS, 30 kR + 0.2% EMS, and 40 kR + 0.2% EMS). Among the M3 generation, genetic diversity was significant for both yield and yield-contributing characteristics. The majority of the characters showed comparatively better mean performance in treatment with a 20 kR + 0.2% EMS dose, according to the results. For the majority of the characters in the segregating M3 generation, the GCV and PCV estimates shown significant heterogeneity. For grain yield per plant, high GCV, PCV, heritability, and GAM were noted. Grain yield per plant was found to be positively significantly correlated with the number of grains per primary, the number of primaries per panicle, the length and width of the panicles, the weight of 100 seeds, and the number of days till 50% flowering.