Response of gamma irradiation on germination and seedling growth of green gram var. GAM 8

Being a pulse crop, green gram has huge scope in crop improvement in terms of productivity and other yield related parameters. Genetic variability is a preferable option for breeders in breeding programme for varietal development programme and others crop improvement aspect. The present investigation was framed to create the variability in mung bean var. GAM 8 during the seedling period through gamma (γ) irradiation. The significant variation was observed in germination percentage and it was found that dose dependent relationship between the germination rate and dose. Significantly minimum germination percentage (22.38 %) was observed in 700 Gy but optimal lethal dose (LD50) calculated through Probit analysis based on germination percentage was revealed at 540.26 Gy. Data revealed that γ irradiation had significantly reduced the seedling growth parameters such as shoot length (10.05 cm), shoot dry weight (19.68 mg), seedling length (13.90 cm), vigour index I (311.01) and II (509.01) was registered in 700 Gy while minimum root length (3.83 cm) was occurred in 600 Gy γ irradiation. Growth reduction (GR) 50 and 30 with respect to the seedling length was occurred respectively at 1093.79 and 1469.74 Gy. Therefore, this finding as the source of genetic variability would be used in future breeding and crop improvement programme like enhancement of yield potentiality and stress management in mung bean var. GAM 8.