Int J Radiat Biol. 2026 Mar 9:1-9. doi: 10.1080/09553002.2026.2640977. Online ahead of print.
ABSTRACT
PURPOSE: The objective of this study was to identify mutant lines developed through gamma irradiation that demonstrate adaptability to semiarid environments and possess enhanced agronomic traits.
MATERIALS AND METHODS: In this study, the cultivars Oğuz-2002 and Anadolu Pembesi-2002 were used as control, alongside seven mutant lines developed through mutation breeding. Yield trials were conducted during the 2019 and 2020 growing seasons using a Randomized Complete Block Design with four replications.
RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: A statistically significant variation (p < .01) was observed among the genotypes in terms of both biological yield and grain yield, indicating considerable potential for genetic improvement. Upon analysis, the mutant line OG802 exhibited the highest biological yield (4.23 t ha-1), while the highest grain yield (0.98 t ha-1) was recorded in the OG602 line. The OG802 line demonstrated a significant increase in biological yield compared to the control cultivars, without any compromise in grain yield. Additionally, OG802 showed greater adaptability to semiarid conditions than the control cultivars. These results suggest that gamma irradiation-induced mutations can enhance biomass productivity and stress resilience without negatively impacting seed production. Such improvements may be attributed to altered physiological or morphological traits, including improved water-use efficiency or biomass allocation. In conclusion, the OG802 mutant line holds strong potential for the cultivation of Hungarian vetch in semiarid environments, owing to its superior biological yield and enhanced adaptability to harsh climatic conditions. These findings underscore the effectiveness of gamma radiation-induced mutation breeding as a promising approach for developing new, climate-resilient genotypes in future breeding programs.
PMID:41801054 | DOI:10.1080/09553002.2026.2640977
