Genetic variability induced by gamma irradiation, separation and simultaneously with gibberellic acid, in M3 Generation of chickpea (cicer arietinum L.)

Seeds from M2 generation of three chickpea genotypes viz; Noor-91, Punjab-91 and C-141 for each treatment 40, 50 and 60 Kr, separately, and with gibberellic acid (GA3), along with control were obtained to raise the M3 generation. The effects on plant height, pod per plant, seeds per pod, and grain-yield in M3 generation were highly significant (P<0.01) within genotypes, treatments and also for their interaction. Difference within genotypes for number of primary branches was non-significant. Number of secondary branches was significantly affected for genotypes and for the genotype-treatment interaction. Statistically signification decrease in plant height was observed with both the treatments as compared with control. Number of primary branches decreased non-significantly; however stimulation was recorded at 60 kr with the application of GA3. Number of secondary branches decreased significantly at 40 and 60 Kr with gamma irradiation, while the decrease by the application of GA3 was non-significant. Pods-per-plant decreased non-significantly with both the treatment, except at 50 Kr with gamma irradiation where a non-significant increase was recorded. Seeds-per-pod and grain-yield increased significantly with both types of treatments as compared to control. (author)