Dose Optimization, Mutagenic Effectiveness and Efficiency of EMS in Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.)

Mutation breeding is an important approach to crop improvement. Identifying beneficial mutagen and its optimum dose are the prerequisites for any successful mutation breeding program. The present study aimed to identify the optimum dose, mutagenic effectiveness, and efficiency of various concentrations of EMS mutagen in proso millet variety ATL 1. Ten treatment concentrations 10 to 100 mM and control were evaluated using germination paper, tray, and field method to estimate the effect of the mutagen on seedling growth and survival in M1 generation. Based on viable mutation frequency in M2 generation, the mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of the mutagen were determined. The mean lethal concentration (LD50) and mean concentration for 50 per cent reduction in growth (GR50) doses were determined to be 41 mM and 45 mM, respectively based on survival per cent and shoot length reduction over control. The mutagenic effectiveness was the highest at 50 mM and mutagenic efficiency was the highest at 40 mM. Broad-spectrum of viable mutants was identified in M2 generation that could be utilized to develop improved cultivars in the crop.