Quantitative Estimation of Protein and Essential Oil Content of Mutants of Two Medicinal Spices of Umbelliferae

Abstract

With the aim to develop superior plant type an induced mutagenesis programme was initiated in two medicinal spices namely Celery and Ajowan, belonging to the family Umbelliferae. Present investigation deals with quantitative estimation of seed protein and essential oil contents (from M3 harvested seeds) of the macromutants (screened at M2) obtained in two spices, in relation to control. Results indicate that protein and essential oil content enhanced in some of the mutants in comparison to control. These plant types can be selected directly and further hybridization followed by selection may offer scope to develop elite plant types which may exhibit maximization of the two parameters in one.