Spectrum and Frequency of Mutations Induced by Gamma Radiations in Three Varieties of Nigerian Sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

Insufficient genetic variability is one of the major problems of plant breeding programmes, especially in sesame. Gamma radiation has been reported to be very effective in creating genetic variability in plants. Three varieties of Nigerian sesame were assessed for spectrum and frequency of mutation induced by Gamma radiations in M1 and M2 generations. The varieties (NCRIBEN-04E, NCRIBEN-01M and NCRIBEN-03L) were treated with four different doses of gamma rays (250, 350, 450 and 550 Gy). The treated and untreated seeds (control) were sown in planting bags (under field condition) to raise M1 plants. Four treatments: V1D5, V2D3, V3D2 and V3D4 (from M1 plants) were selected and bulked to obtain M2 populations. The results of M1 revealed four mutant fruit traits: multicarpellate capsule, multiple capsule per leaf axil, indehiscent capsule and terminal capsules. The highest frequencies of the traits in M1 generation were 2.50×10-2, 9.17×10-2, 1.67×10-2 and 3.33×10-2 respectively. The highest branching (7) was from NCRIBEN-01M, while the least (2) was from NCRIBEN-04E. The M2 plants were grouped into eight M2 lines. The dose range (250-550 Gy) was proved to be effective in inducing viable mutations in sesame.