Genetic variability in sugarcane plantlets developed through in vitro mutagenesis.

Abstract

Abstarct Three sugarcane clones viz., NIA-98, NIA-2004 and BL4 were used for induction of genetic variability through In-vitro mutagenesis. Apical meristametic region was used for callus induction (4mg/l 2,4-D). Actively growing callus was treated with five different doses of gamma rays (10Gy, 20Gy, 30Gy, 40Gy and 50Gy). Maximum callus proliferation and plantlets regeneration were recorded in 20Gy and minimum at 50Gy. Maximum chlorophyll mutation frequency was noted in 40 and 50 Gy. The treatments 30Gy and 40Gy exhibited negative impact on the agronomic traits under study. The dose 20Gy showed stimulating and enhancing effect on plant height and cane yield (kg/plot). The analysis of variance (mean square) revealed significant (P ≤ 0.5) difference for all the characters under study. Genetic advance at 2% selection intensity was about two fold greater than that at 30% selection intensity and intermediate at 10% selection intensity. High heritability percentage in broad sense was recorded. Variability obtained from mutation breeding was also examined through molecular marker techniques (RAPD). Most similar sugarcane mutants (20 Gy) were P1 and P4 (85%) while most dissimilar mutants were P3 and Parent (38%).