Assessment on Genetic Diversity in Proso Millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) Mutants for Yield and Yield Parameters Raised during M2 Generation

Background: Proso millet (Panicum miliaceum L.) is a climate-resilient, nutrient-dense cereal crop with considerable potential in sustainable agriculture. However, its genetic improvement is hindered by a narrow genetic base. Mutation breeding, particularly through chemical mutagenesis, offers a promising approach to induce genetic variability and develop improved genotypes. Methods: Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) was used to induce mutations in proso millet seeds at different concentrations. The M2 generation derived from EMS-treated seeds was evaluated for ten morphological and yield-contributing traits, including days to 50% flowering, plant height, number of productive tillers, panicle length, leaf length and breadth and 1000-grain weight. The data were analyzed to evaluate the variability caused by the treatments. Result: Significant phenotypic variability was observed among the M2 populations for all studied traits. Treatments with 0.5% and 0.75% EMS were particularly effective, showing enhanced values in several agronomic traits compared to control. These treatments led to the identification of promising mutant lines, indicating the potential of EMS mutagenesis for broadening the genetic base and improving yield-related traits in proso millet.