Mutagenic Influence of EMS and SA on Germination, Root–Shoot Growth and Pollen Viability in Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

An experiment was carried out from July to October 2021 at CRC Farm, SoAG, ITM University, Gwalior (MP) to induce genetic variability in sesame genotype TKG-55. Various concentrations of EMS and SA (0.1%, 0.2%, 0.3% and 0.4%) as well as combination treatments (EMS + SA at 0.1% + 0.1% and 0.2% + 0.2%) were evaluated in Randomized Block Design with three replications. A significant reduction in seed germination percentage, shoot & root length, pollen viability, seedling height & vigour of seedlings, and other yield-related traits was observed for all the mutagenic treatments. Dose depended linear trend in reduction was appeared for most of the traits. The mutagens alter the chemical nature of genetic material causing disturbance in physiology of cell therefore, both the mutagens showed a detrimental effect on the expression of all the traits. Furthermore, all the treatments caused a delay in flowering and maturity. Among the treatments, 0.2% SA was found to be the optimum dose for most of the quantitative traits. Higher concentrations of EMS and SA (0.4%) had harmful effects on most traits, whereas lower concentrations were more effective and beneficial for inducing mutations in sesame. The combination treatments (EMS + SA at 0.1% + 0.1% and 0.2% + 0.2%) were particularly beneficial for improving plant height and pollen viability.