Yield Improvement in barley by using gamma irradiation

Sixty two mutant lines in the M4 generation were studies for one year for yield components (heads per plant kernals per head and kernal weight). Four mutant lines out yielded the parent but the differences being significant only with the mutant 2-6-26. This is mainly due to significant increase in number of beads per plant. Yield per plant was correlated with number of heads per plant. In a 2-year field experiment, mutant 2-6-26 out yielded the parent variety, the difference being significant only in one experiment (1988-89). The increase in nitrogen rate from 0 to 100 kg/ha increased yield significantly. mutant 2-6-26 produced 415 g grains/m2 in the 1987-88 experiment; in 1988-89 experiment, its yields were 426, 610 and 594 g grains/m2 for the 0, 100 and 200 kg N/ha respectively. The differences in kernal weight were highly significant only in 1988-89 experiment. Lodging was low in 1987-88 experiment due to moisture stress. In 1988-89 experiment, Lodging increased with the increase in N application rate. None of the mutant lines showed any improvement in the resistance to lodging. Mutant 2-6-26 is very promising. It will be evaluated in large yield-trials at different locations in the country. (author)