Mutagenic effect of argemone oil in Oryza sativa L

In view of the large scale adulteration of edible oils with Argemone oil, a study was undertaken to test its mutagenicity on rice seed. In treatment with screw-pressed oil a marked reduction in seed germination and high chlorophyll mutation and mutant frequencies were observed. In sequential treatments between gamma rays and Argemone oil both mutation and mutant frequencies were significantly higher than that of individual treatments. This study clearly indicates that Argemone oil is a potent mutagen with serious implications for the genetic hygiene of human beings.