Effect of mutagens on character association and selection response in mutagenised populations of Grasspea (Lathyrus sativus l.)

Character association and component analysis at genotypic level were studied in mutagenised populations (M2) of grasspea land race “Dhenkanal local” following seed treatment with gamma-rays, EMS, NG and their combinations. Seeds/plant emerged as an independent direct yield contributing trait in all treatments except 40kR gamma-rays + 0.2% EMS. In general, number of branches/plant, pods/plant and seeds/plant exhibited very high and significant positive association with seed yield/plant. High correlation of 100-seed weight accompanied by its high direct effect on seed yield in 70kR gamma-rays, 0.03% NG and 40kR gamma-rays revealed breakage of undesirable linkage of this trait with seed yield. Negative association of plant height with seed yield in 0.2% EMS also provided a scope for selection of dwarf plant type coupled with high seed yield.