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Kill curve analysis and response of first generation Capsicum annuum L. B12 cultivar to ethyl methane sulfonate
M H Arisha1, B-K Liang2, S N Muhammad Shah1
1College of Horticulture, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi, China.
Abstract:
Pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum L.) var. B12 were mutagenized by four presoaking treatments in ten concentrations of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) to determine the sensitivity of the first generation (M1) to mutagens. The spectrum of mutations and induced variability for various quantitative traits, including germination, percent plant height, injury occurrence, survival ratio, first three fruits weight, and number of seeds per first fruit, were observed in the M1 generation. Our results indicated that all of the test parameters decreased with increasing EMS concentration, except for seedling injury. There were significant differences in germination ratio, LD50, plant height, percent injury, and survival ratio among the tested presoaking treatment. The LD50 was 1% EMS in seeds that were not presoaked (T1) and seeds presoaked for 12 h before treating with EMS (T3). In contrast, the LD50 was 0.5% EMS in seeds presoaked for 6 h (T2) and seeds presoaked in water for 6 h then incubated at 28°C for 12 h before EMS treatment (T4). Five dwarf plants were observed in mutagenized seeds without presoaking as compared to control seeds (at the maturity stage of the control plant).
Insights
Ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) mutagen sensitivity in pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum L.) was assessed. Higher EMS concentrations reduced germination and survival, with varying LD50 values based on seed presoaking treatments.
Area of Science:
- Agricultural Science
- Plant Science
- Mutagenesis
Background:
- Ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) is a chemical mutagen used to induce genetic variability in plants.
- Understanding mutagen sensitivity is crucial for effective crop improvement strategies.
- Pepper (Capsicum annuum L.) is an economically important crop where genetic enhancement can improve yield and quality.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the sensitivity of pepper seeds (Capsicum annuum L. var. B12) to varying concentrations of EMS.
- To evaluate the impact of different seed presoaking treatments on EMS mutagenicity.
- To assess the induced variability in quantitative traits in the M1 generation.
Main Methods:
- Pepper seeds were treated with ten concentrations of EMS following four different presoaking protocols.
- Quantitative traits including germination, plant height, injury, survival, fruit weight, and seed number were measured in the M1 generation.
- The lethal dose 50% (LD50) for EMS was calculated for each treatment group.
Main Results:
- All tested parameters, except seedling injury, decreased with increasing EMS concentration.
- Significant differences in germination, LD50, plant height, injury, and survival were observed across presoaking treatments.
- The LD50 varied from 0.5% to 1% EMS depending on the duration and method of seed presoaking.
- Five dwarf mutant plants were observed in the non-presoaked EMS-treated group.
Conclusions:
- Seed presoaking significantly influences pepper seed sensitivity to EMS, affecting mutagenic outcomes.
- Optimizing EMS concentration and presoaking methods is essential for maximizing beneficial mutations while minimizing detrimental effects.
- This study provides valuable data for utilizing EMS in pepper breeding programs for enhanced genetic diversity.
