Induced Somatic Aberrations and Chlorophyll Mutations in Capsicum by Insecticides

Abstract

Mutagenic effects of four insecticides on soaked seeds of Capsicum annuum cultivar G₃ have been studied. The insecticides used presently induced various types of chromosomal alterations in meristematic cells. Details of aberrations are described and probable reasons for their induction are discussed. Chlorophyll mutations of six types, viz., xantha, albina, chlorina, xanthoviridis, alboviridis and virescence were recorded in M₂ generation. The present findings reveal that four insecticides potentially are capable of producing a variety of mutations in chilli and are potent mutagenic agents with radiomimetic action.