Vol. 9, Special Issue 10, Part H (2025)

Rice (Oryza sativa L.) is a vital cereal crop which supports the food security in India. Wada Kolam, a widely grown local variety in konkan region especially in Palghar district of Maharashtra is highly valued but constrained by tall stature, susceptibility to lodging, and vulnerability to blast disease, leading to yield losses. Mutation breeding provides a practical strategy to introduce useful variability for traits such as dwarf plant type, blast resistance, and improved yield potential. The present study evaluated 150 M₃ mutant lines of Wada Kolam, along with four checks, during Kharif 2024 at the Research and Educational Farm, Department of Agricultural Botany, College of Agriculture, Dapoli, using an Augmented Block Design. Genetic analysis revealed significant phenotypic and genotypic variation, particularly for number of filled grains per panicle, plant height, and yield attributes. Moderate genotypic and phenotypic coefficients of variation were observed for productive tillers, grain yield, and test weight, while other traits exhibited lower variability. High heritability coupled with high genetic advance was recorded for filled grains per panicle, indicating additive gene action and strong potential for direct selection. Notably, mutant lines such as M2-11, M2-123, M2-29, M2-2, and M2-76 showed reduced plant height, superior yield components, and blast resistance.