Mutagenic Effect of Gamma Rays on Induced Mutation and Yield Traits of Vicia faba in M1 and M2 Generations

Mutation breeding is a cornerstone of contemporary plant breeding, driving substantial progress in crop enhancement by introducing genetic diversity and fostering novel traits that boost yield and associated characteristics. This study presents a thorough investigation into the effects of γ-irradiation on the growth, yield, and cytogenetic dynamics of two faba bean (Vicia faba) cultivars. A detailed analysis of phenotypic and genotypic correlations across various morphological traits under both control conditions and γ-irradiation treatments revealed that low doses of γ-irradiation (50Gy and 100Gy) significantly enhanced vegetative growth, whereas a higher dose (200Gy) critically suppressed pod formation and reduced seed yield. The M2 generation demonstrated an enhancement of yield traits relative to the M1 generation, with the Giza 843 cultivar showing the most pronounced improvements. The mitotic index (MI) under the influence of γ-radiation showed cultivar-specific variations: cv. Giza 40 showed increased MI at 50Gy and 100Gy, with a MI decline at 150Gy and 200Gy compared to the control, whereas cv. Giza 843 demonstrated a significant rise in MI at 50Gy, 100Gy, and 150Gy, followed by a substantial decrease at 200Gy. These results underscore the potential of low-dose γ-irradiation as a precise tool for enhancing yield in faba bean cultivars, providing crucial insights for the advancement of crop improvement methodologies.