Mutation genetic studies in rice-development of protein rich mutants

Abstract

Three locally grown rice varieties IR-8. Jhona-349 and Basmati-370 were subjected to various doses of gamma rays, EMS and DES individually and in combination. In M4. 1 1 mutants of IR-8, 6 of Jhona, and, 2 of Basmati were found to possas higher seed protein content and better seed protein production than their initial lines. Of all the IR-8 mutants which were early and fine grained, six had higher yield, 2 Jhona mutants^were high yielding and the Basmati mutants were shorter and good yielding. Fertile grain number possesses high heritabiiity, coefficient of variation and genetic advance and it is positively correlated wuh total grain yield. Therefore, this represents a trait of high selection index and breeding value, Hybridization between these mutants to secure the most desirable recombinations are suggested.