Hafiz Munir Ahmed, Ghulam Sarwar, and Muhammad Ahsan ul Haq

pp. 279 - 286

Abstract

Morphological data pertaining to different attributes were recorded in M₄
 and M₅ generations of gamma irradiated
castorbean to study correlations, path analysis and some genetic parameters. Significant and positive correlation of capsule
yield per plant with seed yield was observed. Hundred seed weight showed positive but non significant phenotypic and
significant genotypic correlation with seed yield. Capsule yield per plant also showed high direct effect combined with high
positive and significant genotypic correlation. Number of capsules of main spike, main spike length and number of spikes
per plant showed high heritability coupled with high genetic advance which revealed the preponderance of additive genes
and seed yield could be improved via these traits. However, length of spike and 100-seed weight may also be considered for
improvement in seed yield. On contribution of different morphological traits, 16 mutants yielded higher than the check, however, the maximum seed yield per plant (mean of 02 years) was gained by CBM-7 (209.54 g) followed by CBM-17 (183.35 g)
as against the check DS-30 (126.75 g). These prospective mutants can be tested for genetic stability and adaptability over
different locations for variety release programme in the country.