Screening for high productive salt tolerant mutant M4 lines in chickpea (Cicer arietinum L.)

Genetic improvement through induced mutation has been very effective in improvement of crops. Seeds of three popular chickpea variety namely BGM 408, B115 and JG 315 were treated with 10,20 and 30 kR of gamma rays. Then treated seeds with their respective control(0 kR gamma rays) were sown in the field of Calcutta University experimental farm, Baruipur (with no salinity) in three consecutive years to raise M-1, M-2 and M-3 generations respectively. Some M-3 lines having higher yield potential were subjected to grow as M-4 lines in salt stressed field (5-7ds m(-1)) of Hingalganj, South 24 Parganas. Finally, some promising salt tolerant lines with improved seed yield were selected which have a good promise for coastal saline belt after releasing as a variety.