Determination of some agronomic and quality characteristics of mung bean lines (M3 and M4) obtained by mutation breeding

This study evaluated the agronomic and quality characteristics of mutant mung bean lines generated by gamma rays in the M3 and M4 generations. Fifteen mutant lines from the M3 generation were compared with the control genotype and the registered Partow variety. Eight lines showing superior performance in the M3 generation were selected and re-evaluated in the M4 generation. Trials were conducted in a randomised complete block design with three replications in 2020 and 2021, examining some agronomic and quality characteristics. Statistically significant differences were observed between the lines and genotypes in terms of all characteristics in both generations. Two lines (T25-2-4, T25-2-15) were identified as having higher averages than the control genotypes in terms of plant height and first pod height. Based on yield components, lines T25-1-1, T25-2-4, 25-2-1 and 100-2-24 performed best. In terms of grain yield, lines 75-3-1 and 100-2-24 performed well in both generations. In some lines (75-3-1, 100-2-24), yield increases of 9-20% were achieved compared to the control genotype and the Partow variety in the M4 generation. The 75-3-1, 100-2-24, T25-2-4 and T25-2-15 lines were therefore transferred to the next generation in the hope that they would perform similarly well in terms of yield, yield components and quality characteristics. These results confirm that gamma ray mutagenesis is an effective method of increasing genetic diversity in mung beans, and that lines developed using this technique have significant potential for use in breeding programmes.