Physical and Chemical Mutagens Induced Mutations in Codiaeum Variegatum var. Mollucanum under Saline Conditions

Abstract

S The present study was conducted at the Experimental Farm of the Horticulture Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Moshtohor, Benha University, Egypt through the two successive seasons of 2020/2021 and 2021/2022. This investigation aimed to examine different types of mutagens on the induction of variability Codiaeum Variegatum var mollucanum Physical mutagen,(gamma rays at 0.0, 100, 200, and 300 grays), and two chemical mutagens [Ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and Dethylmethane sulphonate (DES) at 0.0, 0.01, 0.02 and 0.03%] were applied on the plant materials. The experiment was arranged in a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates. The obtained data cleared that the physical and chemical mutagens (0.02 DEMS and EMS, and 100 or 200 Gy gamma rays) increased the plant growth compared with the higher radiation of gamma rays (300 Gy). All treatments of gamma rays at 100 or 200 Gy increased growth parameters, i.e. number of leaves/plant, plant height, and dry and fresh weight of leaves (g)/plant as compared with the control. The best treatments were obtained by gamma rays at 100 Gray.