Effect of gamma radiation and EMS on mutation rate: their effectiveness and efficiency in faba bean (Vicia faba L.)

ABSTRACT

Faba bean is one of the most important grain legumes in the world because of its multiple uses and its ability to grow over a wide range of climatic conditions. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and efficiency of single and combination doses of gamma rays and ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) on two different varieties of faba bean. Studies on induced mutagenesis in faba bean involving EMS and gamma rays are sparse. Genetically pure, uniform, dry and dormant seeds of Vicia faba varieties Vikrant and PRT-12 were treated with four different doses of gamma rays (100, 200, 300 and 400 Gy) and of EMS (0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04%). However, the utility of a mutagenic agent is determined by its ability to induce a high frequency of desirable mutations as compared to undesirable ones; thus, it is necessary to assess the effectiveness and efficacy of mutagens. The results indicated that EMS is more effective in inducing mutations than gamma rays, with the following trend: EMS > gamma rays+EMS > gamma rays. However, with regard to mutagenic efficiency measured based on seedling injury, gamma rays were more efficient than EMS, with the following trend: gamma rays > gamma rays+EMS > EMS. Both mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency were found to be higher at lower doses of both the mutagens. The possible reason for decrease in mutagenic efficiency and effectiveness with increase in dose may be the higher dose of mutagens and less damaging effect of lower doses of mutagens.

KEYWORDS:

• Gamma rays
• ethyl methanesulphonate
• mutagenic effectiveness
• mutagenic efficiency

Acknowledgments

The authors are grateful to the Chairman, Department of Botany, AMU, Aligarh, India for providing facilities for research work and UGC, India for financial support.

Disclosure statement

No potential conflict of interest was reported by the authors.