Induced viable macromutants in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.)

Abstract

Induced mutagenesis has been successfully used in a large number of plant species in India for developing new varieties [1 and2]. With a view to develop superior plant types in coriander (Coriandrum sativum L.), an important spice of commerce [3], a research project on induced mutagenesis in coriander has been initiated. The present communication deals with the frequency and types of viable macromutations induced in two cultivated varieties of C. sativum following gamma irradiations and EMS treatments. Dry seeds of two coriander varieties NP(D)95 ( moisture content 16%); and TNP(D)92 (moisture content 18%), released from ICAR, New Delhi [4] and obtained from Globe Nursery, Kolkata, were gamma irradiated with 1, 2, 4, 8 and 10 kR doses from 60CO source at the Central Research Institute for Jute and Allied Fibres, Nilganj, West Bengal. The seeds were also treated with 0.25, 0.50 and 1.0% EMS solutions (prepared in 0.2 M phosphate buffer, duration of treatment 4 and 8 hours with intermitant shaking at 21±1oC, pH 6.8) followed by thorough wash in running water for 3 to 4 hours. These doses were applied after pilot trials. Control (dry seeds) and treated seeds were sown (50 seeds in each case) in the experimental field at a spacing of 10 cm between plants and 30 cm in between rows to raise M1 generation. Selfed seeds of each surviving M1 plant were harvested separately and the M2 was raised as plant progenies. The treated as well as control populations were carefully screened for macromutations throughout the growth period of the M2 plants in field and the frequency of viable macromutants was estimated.