Isolation of induced mutants using gamma ray and ethyl methane sulphonate in Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.)

Present investigation was undertaken to compare the mutagenic efficiency and effectiveness of gamma ray and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and to study the frequency and spectrum of macro-mutations in tomato. For this purpose, two cultivars of tomato with wide divergent in origin namely Patharkutchi of West Bengal, India and Alisa Craig of England were treated with 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250 Gy gamma rays and 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25% (V/V) EMS solution. Results showed that seed germination, seedling height and pollen fertility in M₁ generation reduced steadily with the increasing doses of both mutagens. The LD₅₀ dose for Patharkutchi and Alisa Craig was 310.7 Gy and 229.7 Gy gamma ray, 0.30% and 0.20% EMS concentration, respectively. Gamma ray (50 Gy to 150 Gy) proved to be more efficient and effective mutagen followed by 0.05% to 10% EMS treatment. Five true breeding mutants hold promise for their utilization in tomato breeding programme.