Induced polygenic variability for yield and yield contributing traits in M2 generation of yellow pericarp Sorghum (Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench)

Abstract

The Present experiment was conducted to create and analyze the variability in M2 generation of yellow pericarp sorghum local landrace “Udgir Piwali” by treating equal quantity of seeds with different doses of gamma rays (100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy, 500 Gy), Ethyl Methane Sulfonate (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3%) and their combinations (100Gy+0.1% EMS, 100Gy+0.2% EMS, 200Gy+0.1% EMS, 200Gy+0.2% EMS). The 0.2% EMS treatment stands out with the highest heritability (53.4%), indicating strong genetic control, and genetic advancement (11.57) for grain yield per plant. It also shows a high GCV (12.68) and PCV (17.35), suggesting substantial genetic variation and potential for improvement. 300 Gy radiation also shows a relatively high heritability (46.5%) and genetic advancement (10.16), with a GCV of 11.46 and PCV of 16.8, indicating good genetic variability. Promising mutant lines were observed in this study would serve as potential genetic resources for further breeding programme.