Induction of Variability in Three Nigerian Pepper Varieties using Gamma Irradiation

Abstract

This study was aimed at inducing mutation on three cultivars of Capsicum annuum L. to source for new and favourable genetic variations that could be exploited for better agronomic traits. The mutation was induced by exposing the seeds of Shombo, Tatase and Nsukka yellow pepper to varied dosages (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 Gy from 60Co source) of gamma irradiation. The study was conducted in the Botanic Garden of the University of Nigeria. Seeds exposed to 50Gy produced significantly (P < 0.05) the highest number of fruits per plant, highest fruit yield and improved morphological traits in Shombo. Higher dosages of irradiation gave lower fruits per plant and yields than untreated seeds in Shombo. Tatase irradiated with 150 Gy had significantly the highest single fresh fruit weight. Generally in Tatase 50, 100 and 150Gy increased some morphological traits significantly (P < 0.05). Although 50 Gy gave highest number of fruits per plant, 100, 150 and 200Gy had significantly higher fruit yield with yield increasing as dosage increased. For Nsukka yellow, irradiation did not show a consistent pattern in improving morphological traits. But 200Gy produced significantly the highest number of fruits per plant and highest yield. Gamma irradiation dosage of 50 – 200 Gy can be exploited to create variability for improvement of morphological and yield traits in pepper plants.

Identification of Induced Chemical Mutants for Improving Yield and its Attributing Traits in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) against Changing Climate

“…The drastic reduction in the germination with increase in the concentration of sodium azide may be due to the induction of chromosomal structure abnormalities in the genes of vitality. This result is in synchronization with Abu et al (2020) and Ibukun et al (2019).…”

“…Due to presence of suspected chromosomal aberrations, a delay in flowering was investigated. Abu et al (2020) and Dahiru et al (2021) also reported similar results in maize.…”

Pengaruh Iradiasi Sinar Gamma terhadap Hasil dan Pertumbuhan Cabai Merah (Capsicum annuum)

“…Gamma-ray induction with a dose of 50 Gy on red chili plants of the Shombo variety can increase the productivity of red chili plants from 12,553.5 kg/ha to 21,231.39 kg/ha. In addition, gamma-ray induction with a dose of 100 Gy can increase the number of leaves of red chili plants of the Tatase variety (Nigerian local variety) from 8.53 to 16.95 (Abu et al, 2020). Based on the description above, it is expected that gamma-ray irradiation on local varieties of red chili plants can produce mutant plants that have better productivity and fruit quality than the previous plants, so it is necessary to do research related to the effect of gamma-ray irradiation on the growth and yield of local varieties of red chili plants.…”

Gamma irradiation of eggplant seeds influences plant growth, yield and nutritional profile in M1 generation

“…Gamma rays are also being widely used as mutation techniques in an attempt to improve morphological and plant growth characteristics. For example, gamma ray irradiation was used to extend the shelf life of tomatoes (Antaryami et al, 2016) and to improve potato storage capacity (Nouani et al, 1987) as well as the morphological traits in pepper (Abu et al, 2020). This can also be of great value and benefit for the improvement of eggplant.…”