Development and phenotypic screening of gamma rays and ethyl methanesulphonate mutant populations in tartary buckwheat (Fagopyrum tartaricum (L.) Gaertn)

Abstract

Tartary buckwheat (F. tartaricum) is an annual self-pollinated pseudo-cereal crop of the Polygonaceae family which is grown worldwide for its nutritive and medicinal value. In order to increase genetic variability and develop genetic resources for crop improvement, gamma rays and EMS were used to develop mutagenized populations in F. tartaricum. In the present study, the biological effect of different doses and concentration of gamma rays and EMS on F. tartaricum to assess the sensitivity of mutagens to create genetic variability was determined. The results revealed that 219.15 Gy of gamma rays and 0.49 % of EMS were optimum for conducting mutagenesis in buckwheat. Both mutagens showed significant effects on the growth parameters in M1 generation. The mutagenic treatments were efficient in creating numerous types of chlorophyll mutations in M2 generation. The frequency of chlorophyll mutation was 1.67 % and 2.70 % for gamma rays and EMS, respectively. These findings shows that EMS is more efficient and effective at inducing variation than gamma rays. A diverse range of morphological mutants affecting every growth stage were screened with the highest frequency in 150 Gy gamma rays and 0.3 % of EMS treatment. . Six morphological mutant types influencing plant height, leaf morphology, growth habit, days to flowering, maturity period, seed yield and seed morphology emerged from induced phenotypic changes in individual plants of the M2 population were identified and selected. This study demonstrated the effectiveness of gamma rays and EMS in increasing genetic diversity and the successful execution of induced mutagenesis in the buckwheat. These mutants may be a valuable source of many beneficial genes in hybridization programs. It is anticipated that both these populations will be a valuable resource for functional genomics research in buckwheat.