Studies on Mutagenic Effectiveness and Efficiency of Gamma Rays and EMS in Kodo Millet (Paspalum scrobiculatum)

Mutation breeding is the defined approach used for crop production and has played a key role in the creation of several varieties. The present research was carried out to induce mutants in kodo millet variety CO 3 using a physical mutagen (gamma rays) and a chemical mutagen  (Ethyl Methane Sulphonate) for creating novelty. Seeds were treated with five doses of gamma-rays viz., 100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy, 400 Gy, and 500 Gy at BARC, Kalpakam and with three concentrations of EMS viz., 24.15 mM, 32.20 mM and 40.25 mM. In the laboratory test, root and shoot lengths of seedlings were decreased with an increase in the dose of gamma rays and EMS. In field study, the germination percentage and survival rate of seedlings were decreased with an increase in the dose of gamma irradiation and EMS. In M2 generation, five types of chlorophyll mutations viz., albino, xantha, striata, chlorina and albomaculata were observed. Xantha and chlorina were observed in all treatments, whereas, striata and albomaculata were observed only in 200 Gy. Based on the biological damages on M2 plants, mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency were estimated. Both mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency reduced with the increase in the dose of irradiation. Regarding height reduction and lethality, the dose of 100 Gy in gamma treatment and 32.20 mM concentration in EMS treatment recorded maximum efficiency. The mutagenic effectiveness was found to be higher at gamma rays irradiated with 100 Gy and in EMS, in 24.15 mM concentration. The 100 Gray dose and 24.15 mM concentration was found to be highly effective for inducing mutation in kodo millet.