<div>Background: Soybean is an important source of food, protein and oil and hence more research is essential to increase its yield under different agro-ecological conditions, including stress. In this regard, four popular soybean varieties viz. Shohag, BDS-4, BAU-S/64 and BARI Soybean-5 were irradiated using Co60 gamma rays to create genetic variation for earliness, higher seed yield and other desirable agronomic traits. 
 
Methods: The experiments were conducted at Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) Headquarters farm, Mymensingh during 2006-2009 and 28 elite mutant lines were selected for evaluation. The mutant line, SBM-22 derived from mother variety BARI Soybean-5 irradiated with 300Gy of gamma rays was found to be superior compared to other mutants. Considering the superior performance of mutant SBM-22 including 28 mutants and mother check variety BARI Soybean-5, were evaluated through different trials. The evaluation trials were conducted at different agro-ecological zones of the country during Rabi season (January to April) of 2010-2018. 
 
Result: Significant variations were observed both in individual location and over locations for all traits. Reactions to major diseases and insect-pests infestation were also studied. Due to better performance of the mutant SBM-22, Bangladesh Institute of Nuclear Agriculture (BINA) applied to the National Seed Board (NSB) of Bangladesh for registration as an important soybean variety &ldquo;Binasoybean-6&rdquo;. Consequently, the NSB of Bangladesh registered SBM-22 as an improved soybean variety in 2019 as Binasoybean-6 for commercial cultivation.</div>

​Binasoybean-6: A High Yielding Mutant Soybean Variety Developed through Sustainable Mutation Breeding

<div style="text-align:justify">Background: Lentil is one of the most significant pulse crops, frequently referred to as &ldquo;poor man&rsquo;s meat&rdquo; because of its high protein content and inexpensive price. The present study was assessed for eleven morphological and yield variables to determine genetic variability, correlation and path co-efficients.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: The experiment was conducted in a Randomized Complete Block Design using 56 different homogeneous progenies of a spontaneous mutant of lentil variety DPL 62 and four control varieties in triple replica during rabi 2017-18.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Significant amount of variability was observed for all the traits. High phenotypic coefficients of variance and genotypic coefficients of variance coupled with high heritability and genetic advance were observed for peduncle length, number of pods per plant, seed width, seed yield per plant suggesting that these traits are genetically controlled by additive gene action. Seed yield per plant exhibited significant positive association with number of branches/plant and number of pods/plant while number of pods/plant revealed highest positive direct effect on seed yield per plant followed by 100-seed weight, number of branches per plant, days to maturity and leaflet breadth. Therefore, selection for these characters will directly lead to improvement in the yielding ability of lentil genotypes.</div>

Assessing Genetic Parameter, Correlation and Path Coefficient in Spontaneous Mutant Progenies of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus ssp. culinaris) Variety DPL 62

<div>Background: Maize (Zea mays L.) is the most important staple food in the lowland of North Shewa, Ethiopia. However, the crop is less researched in this area. Thus, the objective of this study was to assess the performance of improved open pollinated variety maize with the participation of farmers&rsquo; using their selection criteria for cultivation in the lowland areas of North Shewa. 
 
Methods: Fourteen open pollinated maize varieties including local were evaluated in the lowland of Eastern Amhara at Eferatana Gedim district, Yimlo research station in 2016 and 2017 main cropping season. The experiment was conducted in randomized complete block design (RCBD) in three replications. Five agronomic and yield traits were collected in both cropping years. In addition, maize small holder farmers were participated to evaluate and score varieties using the matrix ranking method based on the farmers&rsquo; selection attributes. 
 
Result: The combined analysis of variance across years showed that highly significant (p&lt;0.01) difference for days to anthesis, grain yield. The highest grain yield was obtained from Melkassa-4 (5243 kg/ha) and Melkasa-2 (5115 kg/ha) while the lowest yield was recorded from Rare-1 (3294 kg/ha). The overall yielding ability of Melkasa-4 was higher as compared with the tested varieties. In addition, this variety was highly appreciated by maize farmers in both cropping years. Based on farmer&rsquo;s selection and yield potential, therefore, Melkassa-4 has recommended for the lowlands of North Shewa and similar agro ecologies in Ethiopia. Support is needed to scale-up and deliver such improved variety through involving farmers in the selection and dissemination of varieties that are adapted to their needs, as it incurred income, good in crop rotation and animal feed.</div>

Participatory Variety Selection of Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties in the Low Lands of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Background: Varieties identification is essential for protecting seeds sold to farmers from counterfeiting. Currently, the grow-out test (GOT) is used for varieties identification. This test is constrained by its long assessment, environmental dependency and subjective nature. Alternative test/tests are needed. This study aimed to determine the utility of microsatellite markers as a complement to GOT in varieties identification. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: In this study, six varieties of commercial maize hybrids released in Tanzania, herein coded as H1, H2, H3, H5, H6 and H9, were selected as candidates. For morphological evaluation, a field experiment was laid out in a complete randomized block design, followed by the collection of phenotypic data. The qualitative data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA in SPSS v.20 software, while qualitative data were summarized in a frequency distribution table. On the other hand, by conventional polymerase chain reaction (PCR), seven microsatellite markers were used to fingerprint the varieties. The PCR results were manually scored and transferred to GenAIEX v.6.5 and DARwin v.6. software for genetic distance and clustering analysis, respectively. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Quantitative data showed significant variation in all the tested varieties at p&lt;0.05, whereas 15 qualitative traits out of 21 showed phenotypic variations among the tested varieties. Furthermore, two microsatellite markers, namely phi080 and umc1071, out of the seven markers used in this study, proved useful in the fast and timely identification of two varieties (H1 and H2) out of six varieties. Nei&rsquo;s genetic distance ranged from zero to four; the highest measure of genetic distance was observed in H1, followed by H2 and the least measure was observed in both of the four varieties. Neighbor Joining clustered the varieties into three different populations that distinguished each of H1 and H2 from the rest of the four varieties. This study shows that microsatellite markers are a promising complement to GOT in varietal identification.

Assessment of Microsatellite Markers for Varieties Identification: A Case of Six Varieties of Maize Hybrids Sold in Tanzania

Background: The pulse known as &ldquo;Blackgram&rdquo; is a significant component of the Indian diet since it provides vegetable protein and balances the diet centered on cereals. Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) outbreaks on a regular basis completely destroy crops, causing farmers to suffer enormous losses. Mutation breeding can be an effective strategy for developing crops with desirable traits, such as high yield and resistance to diseases like the Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV) in blackgram. 
&nbsp; 
Methods: This experiment was laid out to study the variability pattern of mutant population in M4&nbsp;and M5&nbsp;generation of blackgram variety CO 6 treated with the Gamma rays at 200 Gy, 300 Gy and 400Gy and isolation of viable mutants for Mungbean Yellow Mosaic virus resistance. Significant variability was observed among the different treatments in M4 generation and twenty MYMV resistant mutants ((PKT-BG-200Gy-P07; PKT-BG-200Gy-P24; PKT-BG-200Gy-P29; PKT-BG-200Gy-P35; PKT-BG-200Gy-P36; PKT-BG-200Gy-P45; PKT-BG-300Gy-P13; PKT-BG-300Gy-P16; PKT-BG-300Gy-P28;&nbsp; PKT-BG-300Gy-P33; PKT-BG-300Gy-P41; PKT-BG-300Gy-P4; PKT-BG-300Gy-P43; PKT-BG-300Gy-P76; PKT-BG-300Gy-P81; PKT-BG-300Gy-P88; PKT-BG-300Gy-P93; PKT-BG-400Gy-P15; PKT-BG-400Gy-P21; PKT-BG-400Gy-P23)&nbsp; were selected and evaluated in a randomized block design with three replications under natural conditions.&nbsp; Scoring was done by the modified scale of All India Coordinated Research Project on MuLLaRP. 
&nbsp; 
Result: Incidence ranged from scale 0.01 (PKT-BG-300Gy-P41and PKT-BG-300Gy-P42) to 5.30 (PKT-BG-300Gy-P28). The mutants PKT-BG-300Gy-P41 and PKT-BG-300Gy-P42 recorded with maximum yield of 1500 kg/ha and 1445kg/ha were found to be observed as high yielding and MYMV resistant lines for summer season&nbsp; in the Cauvery delta region.

Evaluation and Isolation of Mungbean Yellow Mosai Virus Resistant Mutants in M4 and M5 Mutant Generations of Blackgram (Vigna mungo)

Background:&nbsp;Soybean is one of the most important commodities around the globe. Increasing&nbsp; soybean production absolutely continue to be pursued because soybean consumption increased steadily. One way that can be done is assembly technology of new superior varieties that have better and adaptive properties. The aim of this study was to determine molecular diversity of soybean mutants lines resulting from gamma irradiation in M6 generation.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Molecular analysis with RAPD markers was carried out in the Tropical Balitbu Laboratory Sumatera Barat, Indonesia in November 2021. The tested genotypes consisted of 8 genotypes, namely Kipas Putih variety (elderly), Anjasmoro variety (comparison), M.1.1.3, M.5.2.1, M.5.2.3 l, M.1.1.8, M.1.1.9 and M.1.1.17 mutant lines. The primers used were RAPD 2 (5&acute;-GTTTCGCTCC-3&acute;), RAPD. 3 (5&acute;-GTAGACCCGT-3&acute;), RAPD 4 (5&acute;-AAGAGCCCGT-3&acute;) and RAPD 5 (5&acute;-AACGCGCAAC-3&acute;).&nbsp; 
 
Result: The results of the RAPD analysis showed that there were differences in size of amplicon between the mutants and the parents, namely the RAPD 2 primer (1400 bp band) and the RAPD 5 primer (550 bp and 1000 bp band). The parents had a pattern of DNA bands but in the M.5.2.3 and M.1.1.9 mutants the DNA band was absent. The parent RAPD 5 primers (1000 bp, 550 bp) had a DNA banding pattern but in the M.1.1.3 and M.1.1.8 mutants there was no DNA banding pattern. This indicated that the M.1.1.3, M.5.2.3, M.1.1.8 and M.1.1.9 mutants had different genetic diversity from their parent (Kipas Putih variety).

RAPD Analysis for Genetic Variability of Soybean Mutant Resulting from Gamma Rays Irradiation in M6 Generation

<div>Background: A systematic investigation of the induced mutagenesis in Urdbean was attempted with cultivars viz., MDU 1 and VBN (Bg) 4 to generate superior battering quality varieties. Induced mutation is proven as an applicable breeding method to build variation in plant materials. In this study, 40 Urdbean genotypes including thirty eight mutants of two promising Urdbean varieties namely MDU1 and VBN (Bg) 4 and two parental genotypes were involved for quality analysis. One of the most dangerous diseases in legumes is Mungbean Yellow Mosaic Virus (MYMV). In legume, this virus causes enormous losses in the areas of Urdbean cultivation. The prevailing varieties are partially resistant to this virus. Hence, the paramount approach to control this disease is breeding for resistance or tolerance to this disease. There is a necessity of searching the sources of disease resistance. In this study, screening of the mutants was conducted to make out the source of resistance to this disease. 
 
Methods: The nutritional characters viz., albumin, globulin and total soluble protein along with biochemical analysis of battering quality through Arabinose estimation were analyzed to find out the quality characters of the mutants. Batter volume analysis from idli batter was conducted conducted. Scoring of disease severity was done for all the plants on 50th day on the basis of visual scoring. The disease was scored on a 1-9 arbitrary scale. For biochemical characterization for this disease estimation of total phenol content, total sugars and phytic acid was executed. 
 
Result: Based on the general performance of albumin content, globulin content, total soluble protein, arabinose content, 100 seed weight and seed yield per plant, the mutant lines viz., ACM-014-021, ACM-015-015, ACM-15-023, ACM-015-013, ACM-015-003, ACM-015-030, ACM-014-006, ACM-014-007 were recognized as the best. Hence these mutant lines could be exploited directly in the breeding programme to develop superior battering quality Urdbean varieties. Based on over all mean performance of important batter volume characters viz., initial batter volume analysis, final batter volume, improved batter volume, arabinose content and single plant yield the mutant lines ACM-15-015, ACM-015-030, ACM-015-003, ACM-015-023 were identified to be superior in terms of yield, arabinose content and batter volume. The mutant lines viz., ACM-014-021, ACM-015-025, ACM-014-006, ACM-015-022, ACM -015-023, ACM-014-019, ACM-014-007, ACM-015-017, ACM-014- 003 and VBN (Bg) 4 were recognized as resistant to MYMV. These lines had higher total phenol, phytic acid content and less total sugar content in the leaves when compared with the highly susceptible mutant lines. The present study indicated that phytic acid content recorded highly significant positive correlation with total phenol. &nbsp;Based on the per se performance for all the characters studied viz., seed batter analysis, seed volume analysis and MYMV scoring, the mutant lines viz., ACM-014-021, ACM-015-23, ACM-015-030, were judged as the best and could be exploited directly or in breeding experiments for improving yield along with batter quality. &nbsp;</div>

<div>Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of Electron Beam and Gamma Ray Induced Mutants for Superior Battering Quality Trait and MYMV in Urdbean [Vigna mungo (L.)]</div>

<div>Background: Mutation breeding is one of the cheapest and surest method of plant breeding. In mutation breeding program effectiveness and efficiency of mutagens could be helpful to realize the spectrum of desirable mutations in the treated populations. The effectiveness and efficiency of two mutagens EMS and gamma rays were studied in two varieties of cowpea [Vigna unguiculata (L.)Walp.].&nbsp; 
 
Methods: In the present investigation, the seeds of two varieties of cowpea, phulepandhari and VCM-8 were treated with gamma rays and EMS to obtain the spectrum and frequency of chlorophyll mutations in M2 generation. Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency were calculated using frequency of chlorophyll mutations. 
 
Result: The individual treatment of EMS was found to be more efficient than gamma rays to induce chlorophyll mutants. A progressive increase in mutation frequency of chlorophyll mutations was observed with increasing doses. Four different types of chlorophyll mutants, such as, chlorina albina, xantha and viridis were induced with effect of mutagens. The highest frequency of chlorophyll mutations was reported in the gamma rays. There was a dose dependent increase in the spectrum and frequency of chlorophyll mutations. The lower dosages of gamma rays and EMS were proved to be most effective and efficient. &nbsp;Among two mutagens used EMS was much more effective than gamma rays in both the varieties viz. &nbsp;variety phulepandhari and VCM-8.&nbsp;</div>

<div>Mutagenic Effectiveness and Efficiency in [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Variety Phule Phandari (PP) and VCM-8</div>

<div>Background: Induced mutagenesis has been used in citrus breeding, in Georgia, since 1960, resulting in many interesting and promising mutant forms that require morphological, physiological and biochemical studies. The present paper presents the results of biochemical research of some promising mutants.&nbsp; 
 
Methods: During the period 2017-2019 investigate on 13 promising mutant forms of mandarin has been carried out. In the current study, phenolic composition content in the fruits of mandarin mutants were determined using Ultraviolet Spectrophotometer and High Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and their antioxidant capacities were evaluated using 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals. 
 
Result: The results have shown that different concentrations of mutagen effect on mandarin seeds and, accordingly, on the biochemical components which they include. In most cases, this leads to a positive result. The impact of the mutagen significantly increases the range of changes in biochemical components and varies over a wide range. Analyzing the data, we can conclude that the solutions of all concentrations of the Nash mutagen effect a change in the biochemical indicators in mutant forms. However, a wide range of variability is largely associated with the use of medium and low concentrations of the mutagen. In most cases, the majority of mutant forms significantly outperform the control variants in the content of biochemical components. The study has revealed a variety of mutant forms (gene pool), which characterized a whole complex of positive signs. Their use in selection allows getting perspective forms with positive features.</div>

<div>Results of the Biochemical Study of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) Mutants</div>

Background: Rice (Oryza sativa L.), is an important staple food and an excellent source of calories in India. Of the different insect pests attacking rice, brown planthopper, BPH, Nilaparvata lugens (St&aring;l) is an important sucking pest causing upto 100% yield losses. Host plant resistance is the most important method in keeping BPH under control and understanding the underlying mechanisms of resistance is necessary to breed the resistant varieties with desirable characters.&nbsp;&nbsp; 
 
Methods: Selected EMS mutant lines of Nagina22 (N22) variety, which were previously mass screened under controlled greenhouse conditions were assessed for their antixenosis mechanism to brown planthopper feeding by measuring probing marks and honeydew excretion area by following standard procedures and statistical analysis was done by using Statistix 8.1 software.&nbsp; 
 
Result: Both the brown planthopper nymphs and adults probed more in the resistant mutants compared to the susceptible mutants whereas the BPH adults probed more times (24.4) compared to the nymphs (22.2). The recorded honeydew excretion area by the resistant mutants was lower than that of susceptible mutants. In general, the BPH adults fed more and excreted more honeydew (79.5 mm2) compared to the nymphs (59.0 mm2). The damage score has a negative correlation with the probing marks of adults (-0.207) and nymphs (-0.411); and a positive correlation with honeydew excretion of adults (0.547) and nymphs (0.200). In this study, the EMS N22 mutants resistant to BPH, with a greater number of probing marks and less honeydew excretion area can serve as best donors in the breeding programmes to develop brown planthopper resistant varieties.

Binasoybean-6: A High Yielding Mutant Soybean Variety Developed through Sustainable Mutation Breeding

Assessing Genetic Parameter, Correlation and Path Coefficient in Spontaneous Mutant Progenies of Lentil (Lens culinaris Medikus ssp. culinaris) Variety DPL 62

Participatory Variety Selection of Maize (Zea mays L.) Varieties in the Low Lands of Eastern Amhara, Ethiopia

Assessment of Microsatellite Markers for Varieties Identification: A Case of Six Varieties of Maize Hybrids Sold in Tanzania

Evaluation and Isolation of Mungbean Yellow Mosai Virus Resistant Mutants in M₄and M₅ Mutant Generations of Blackgram (Vigna mungo)

RAPD Analysis for Genetic Variability of Soybean Mutant Resulting from Gamma Rays Irradiation in M₆ Generation

Genetic and Biochemical Characterization of Electron Beam and Gamma Ray Induced Mutants for Superior Battering Quality Trait and MYMV in Urdbean [Vigna mungo (L.)]

Mutagenic Effectiveness and Efficiency in [Vigna unguiculata (L.) Walp.] Variety Phule Phandari (PP) and VCM-8

Results of the Biochemical Study of Mandarin (Citrus reticulata Blanco) Mutants

Rice Brown Planthopper, Nilaparvata lugens (Stål) Feeding Behaviour in Resistant NAGINA22 Rice Mutants