Abstract

Faba bean (Vicia faba L.) is a rich source of dietary proteins, minerals and nutrients particularly in India and a feed crop in the world. Successful crop breeding programmes require the recognition and understanding of different genetic parameters like genotypic coefficient of variation, heritability and genetic advance. In this backdrop, a field experiment was conducted to study the genetic parameters in M2 generation of faba bean using 60Co source gamma irradiation and ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) as physical and chemical mutagens. The mutagens were used both individually and in combination. Genotypic coefficient of variation (GCV), heritability (h2) and genetic advance (GA) were calculated for total seed yield per plant (g) and its associated components like seeds per pod and pods per plant. Gradual increase in mean values for all quantitative characters was observed at lower doses/concentrations of gamma rays and EMS employed alone or in combination. Genotypic coefficient of variation and heritability increased considerably in the mutagenized population for all the traits in both the varieties suggesting the possibility of more genetic progress of these traits in subsequent generations which could lead to the overall improvement of these varieties.