Mutagenic Effects of Sodium Azide on Morphological Parameters of Lagos Spinach (Celosia argentea L.)

Abstract

Despite the tremendous benefits of Lagos spinach (Celosia argentea L.) as food and in medicine, its diversity and uses are under threat in Nigeria, due to genetic erosion and low yield. Therefore, this study was aimed inducing mutation in the seeds of the plant for the improvement of its morphological and yield parameter using sodium azide. Two hundred and fifty (250) seeds each were randomly selected and treated with fi levels of sodium azide (Control, 2.00mM, 4.00mM, 6.00mM, and 800mM). The seeds were raised in laboratory for germination study and experimental garden. In the garden, the seeds were planted in experimental pots arranged in a completely randomized block design (CRBD) with each replicated five times for morphological and yield parameters evaluation. With the exception of treatment 2mM, increased concentration of Sodium azide resulted in reduction in seed germination and survival rate. Increased biological injury (Lethality) was observed as an apparent reduction in germination and root length with increasing concentration. The dichotomous branching mutant observed in the treated seeds resulted in increased number of leaves in 4mM and 6mM. The highest percentage branching (50%) correspond to the highest mean number of leaf (103.33) recorded in 6mM with distinct separation of the treatment by Euclidean pair group dendrogram based on morphological features. The LD50 for mortality was obtained at 4.74mM. Therefore, 6mM sodium azide was the most effective concentration for inducing desirable mutations at the highest frequency in C. argentea. Further study would be carried out on this plant to see these useful characters could be transferred to the next generation.