Cytogenetical Effects of Gamma Rays and Ethyl Methanesulphonate in Brinjal (Solanum melongena L.)

Abstract

Relative effects of differential and combined treatments of gamma rays, and ethyl methanesulphonate on the meiosis and on pollen and seed fertility in M₁ generation of a local brinjal cultivar of Kashmir valley (Solanum melongena var. Local Long) were studied. Radiations and combined treatments were more efficient in inducing meiotic abnormalities than EMS treatments: However, combined treatments and EMS treatments induced greater pollen and seed sterility than radiations. Radiation induced sterility might be the result of chromosomal aberrations which in turn were dose dependent while sterility induced by EMS might be attributed to cryptic deletions and specific gene mutations. A dose dependent increase in chiasma frequency was observed with all single and combination treatments.