Mutant Heterosis in Pearl Millet

Mutations were induced by treating dry seeds of pearl millet (Penuisetum americanum L.) with EMS and gamma rays of promising inbred line K 560-230. Extent of heterosis of the mutant lines with respect to yield and Ms components was studied in a tine × tester set of cranes involving 20 mutant lines (derivatives of K 560-230), which recorded less than 10% incidence of ergot in contrast to 50% incidence in control under artificial inoculation for two consecutive years, the promising R line K 560-230 itself, and three male steriles, i.e., MS 5054, MS 5141 and MS 81. A number of mntant lines showed higher heterosis compared to their parent, K 560-230, for majority of traits studied. Heterosis for grain yield per plot in hybrid 5141 A × 103-2 over midparent and better parent was 239.8% and 239.4%, respectively. The R line 103-2 is a mutant. Mutant heterosis for grain yield was directly related to 1000-grain weight. Highly heterotic crosses were generally good specific combiners. The present study indicates that mutagens cap he used to Improve the parents quickly for better yield with an added advantage of disease resistance.