Exploring population genetics for mutant mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] lines: Insights from augmented block design

The current study was initiated to assess mungbean [Vigna radiata (L.) R. Wilczek] mutant lines for yield and their attributes in the mutation generation third (M₃) generation using an augmented block design. Note that 1200 mutated mungbean lines were selected from the γ-irradiated (400–700 Gy) population and distributed into 21 blocks, along with three popular varieties (checks) replicated in each block. To evaluate mean performance, variance, and population genetics, the observations on days to flowering, days to maturity, plant height (cm), number of clusters per plant, number of pods per plant, pod length (cm), protein percentage, seed index, and seed yield (g) were measured and analyzed. All the lines under consideration showed highly significant variations for all the variables, except for days to flowering. Seventy-nine mutant lines were found to have significantly better yield attributes than checks and are currently being evaluated under station trial. Skewness and kurtosis analysis unveiled the presence of gene interactions, offering opportunities for targeted improvement and efficacy of γ rays as a mutagen, facilitating the release of variability within the population. Future mungbean breeding programs will benefit from the successful isolation of mutant plants with yield-enhancing traits, such as up to 20 clusters per plant, 71 pods per plant, 8.55 cm pod length, 26.69% protein content (5% higher than parent), and 29 gram seeds per plant. In early selection cycles without the need for replicated trials, this study demonstrated the effectiveness of the mutagen and augmented design in creating novel variations, evaluating and identifying superior genotypes with improved yield potential.