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Pak. J. Bot., 42(5): 3449-3455, 2010.

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GENETIC MANIPULATION OF LENTIL THROUGH INDUCED MUTATIONS

J.A. FAZAL ALI, M.A. ARAIN AND N.A. SHAIKH

Abstract: Induced mutation in crops improvement plays an important role in manipulating the genetic structure of plant. Drought is considered to be the major environmental stress that limits lentil yields. Genetic diversity in lentil (Lens culinaris Medik) was developed in a local variety Masoor-85 and exotic cultivar ICARDA-8 by treating with gamma rays ranging from 100–600 Gy. Desirable segregants were isolated in M₂ for high yield, earliness and improved 100 grain weight. These mutants were confirmed for their yield, yield components and growth behaviour in M₃ generation. True breeding lines were evaluated for yield potential under residual moisture of rice crop in the field and to screen out suitable drought resistance genotypes which can cope with the prevailing water shortage in Sindh. The promising mutant strains giving better yield potential were tested for yield and other agronomic traits in different station yield trials. Mutant strain AEL23/40 produced highest grain yield in zonal trials conducted under different agro-ecological zones in Sindh province. Observing its better performance AEL 23/40 was promoted to National yield trials, where it ranked first in the province of Sindh and second on Pakistan basis. In this paper performance of lentil mutant strains evaluated under residual moisture of rice crop and enhancement of genetic potential for drought resistance is discussed.

Nuclear Institute of Agriculture, Tando Jam Sindh, Pakistan.