Mutation breeding of pigeonpea cajanus cajan L millsp for yield contributing traits

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Mutation Breeding of Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.] for Yield Contributing Traits.” was undertaken with an objective of inducing genetic variability in yield contributing traits in a local cultivar of pigeonpea, ICPL-87, employing two well known potent mutagens, EMS and Gamma rays so that viable mutants showing novel improved yield contributing traits could be screened and isolated during subsequent generations. Attempts were also made to study the mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of these two mutagens and their impact on yield contributing traits and biochemical parameters. The objectives, if realized, would go a long way in providing broad genetic variability that would be highly useful to the pigeonpea breeders in planning their hybridization programmes and developing superior improved varieties of pigeonpea having wider adaptability to diverse agroclimatic conditions. INTRODUCTION Pigeonpea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp., Family, Fabaceae], vernacularly also known as Red Gram or Tur is an important Pulse crop widely cultivated in Indian subcontinent. In Maharashtra, it is widely cultivated in Ahmednagar district. Pigeonpea forms one of the important constituents in the dietary practices of local communities. Pigeonpea is useful in various ways both as human food and animal feed. As human food pigeonpea is used as dhal (split seed without seed coat), whole seed, and green vegetable to supplement cereal-based diets. The seed by-products from the dhal mills are used as animal feed. Pigeonpea leaves are used as dry or green fodder. Stalks of pigeonpea are useful for making baskets, constructing huts, hedges, and binding material (Faris and Singh, 1990). Pigeonpea green manure provides nitrogen-rich organic material to improve soil structure (Whiteman and Norton 1981). Nutritional composition of pigeonpea indicates that it has protein content as high as 19 23%, 1-2% fat, 45-55% carbohydrates, 1-5% fibers, 3-5% soluble sugars, 1.5% water and energy 16-18% (Lawn and Troedson, 1990). Its beans form a nutritious item of the food, while the whole plant gives rich feed for cattle and is a good manure as well as conservation crop. Pigeonpea is also prescribed as a medicine to fulfill the need of malnutrition.