Sodium Azide Treatment Research Articles

Localization and regulation of yeast aldehyde dehydrogenase Ald4p structures

Previously, we identified yeast strains, namely SWORD, showing more robust Ald4p-GFP filament formation than the typical ALD4::GFP strains. Here, we report that Ald4p-GFP in SWORD strains favorably polymerize into gigantic structures in the cytoplasm, despite the enzyme being established as a mitochondrial resident. In addition, we have found that nocodazole, a microtubule destabilizer, has no effect on Ald4p high-order assembly, suggesting no direct association between microtubule dynamics and Ald4p structure formation. Ald4p assembly cannot be induced by sodium azide treatment, indicating that ATP is not a primary effector of Ald4p polymerization. Interestingly, addition of exogenous acetaldehyde, a substrate of the enzyme, can significantly enhance the structure formation of Ald4p, implying that structure formation may be related to enzymatic activity.

Evaluation of the Impact of Chemical Mutagens on the Phenological and Biochemical Characteristics of Two Varieties of Soybean (Glycine max L.).

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency are the most important factors determining the success of mutation breeding, a coherent tool for quickly enhancing diversity in crops. This study was carried out at Lovely Professional University's agricultural research farm in Punjab, India, during the year 2023. The experimental design followed a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications. The experiment aimed to assess the effect of three chemical mutagens, sodium azide (SA), ethyl methyl sulphonates (EMSs), and methyl methane sulfonate (MMS), at three different concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%), in SL958 and SL744 soybean varieties to select the mutant exhibiting the highest yield. The data were collected and analysed using a two-way ANOVA test through SPSS software (version 22), and the means were separated using Duncan's multiple range test (DMRT) at the 5% level of significance. Between the two varieties, the highest seed germination percentage (76.0% seedlings/plot) was recorded in SL958 (0.4% SA), while the lowest (30.33% seedlings/plot) was observed in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (53% and 76% in SL744 and SL958 at 10 days after sowing, respectively). Several weeks after sowing, the average plant height was observed to be higher (37.84 ± 1.32 cm) in SL958 (0.4% SA) and lower (20.58 ± 0.30 cm) in SL744 (0.6% SA), as compared to the controls (SL958: 26.09 ± 0.62 cm and SL744: 27.48 ± 0.74 cm). The average leaf count was the highest (234.33 ± 3.09 tetrafoliate leaves/plant) in SL958 (0.4% SA) while it was the lowest (87 leaves/plant) in 0.6% MMS as compared to the control (SL744 180.00 ± 1.63 and SL958 160.73 ± 1.05). The highest total leaf areas recorded in the SL958 and SL744 M1plants were 3625.8 ± 1.43 cm2 and 2311.03 ± 3.65 cm2, respectively. Seeds of the SL958 variety treated with 0.4% SA resulted in the development of tetrafoliate leaves with a broad leaf base and the maximum yield (277.55 ± 1.37 pods/plant) compared to the narrow pentafoliate leaves obtained through the treatment with EMS. Meanwhile, in the SL744 variety, the same treatment led to tetrafoliate leaves with a comparatively lower yield of 206.54 ± 23.47 pods/plant as compared to the control (SL744 164.33 ± 8.58 and SL958 229.86 ± 0.96). The highest protein content (47.04 ± 0.87% TSP) was recorded in the SL958 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds followed by a content of 46.14 ± 0.64% TSP in the SL744 (0.4% SA) M2 seeds, whereas the lowest content (38.13 ± 0.81% TSP) was found in SL958 (0.6% MMS). Similar observations were recorded for the lipid and fibre content. The 0.4% SA treatment in SL958 proved to be efficient in generating the highest leaf area (tetrafoliate leaves) and a reasonable yield of M1 (the first generation after mutation) plants.

Induced genetic diversity through mutagenesis in wheat gene pool and significant use of SCoT markers to underpin key agronomic traits

BackgroundThis research explores the efficacy of mutagenesis, specifically using sodium azide (SA) and hydrazine hydrate (HZ) treatments, to introduce genetic diversity and enhance traits in three wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) genotypes. The experiment entails subjecting the seeds to different doses of SA and HZ and cultivating them in the field for two consecutive generations: M1 (first generation) and M2 (second generation). We then employed selective breeding techniques with Start Codon Targeted (SCoT) markers to select traits within the wheat gene pool. Also, the correlation between SCoT markers and specific agronomic traits provides insights into the genetic mechanisms underlying mutagenesis-induced changes in wheat.ResultsIn the study, eleven genotypes were derived from parent varieties Sids1, Sids12, and Giza 168, and eight mutant genotypes were selected from the M1 generation and further cultivated to establish the M2 generation. The results revealed that various morphological and agronomical characteristics, such as plant height, spikes per plant, spike length, spikelet per spike, grains per spikelet, and 100-grain weight, showed increases in different genotypes from M1 to M2. SCoT markers were employed to assess genetic diversity among the eleven genotypes. The bioinformatics analysis identified a correlation between SCoT markers and the transcription factors ABSCISIC ACID INSENSITIVE3 (ABI3) and VIVIPAROUS1 (VP1), crucial for plant development, growth, and stress adaptation. A comprehensive examination of genetic distance and the function identification of gene-associated SCoT markers may provide valuable insights into the mechanisms by which SA and HZ act as mutagens, enhancing wheat agronomic qualities.ConclusionsThis study demonstrates the effective use of SA and HZ treatments to induce gene diversity through mutagenesis in the wheat gene pool, resulting in the enhancement of agronomic traits, as revealed by SCoT markers. The significant improvements in morphological and agronomical characteristics highlight the potential of mutagenesis techniques for crop improvement. These findings offer valuable information for breeders to develop effective breeding programs to enhance wheat quality and resilience through increased genetic diversity.

Enhancing genetic variability in Trigonella species through sodium azide induction: morpho-physiological and chromosomal amelioration.

Plant breeding, aimed at enhancing desired traits, depends on genetic diversity. Mutation breeding is a powerful method of rapidly expanding genetic diversity, facilitating crop improvement, and ensuring food security. In a recent study, researchers evaluated the genetic variability of Trigonella species using different doses of sodium azide (SA) (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, 0.8%, and 1.0%) through morphological, physiological, and cytogenetic studies. Morphological variations were observed in cotyledonary leaves, vegetative leaves, and overall plant growth and habit. Several quantitative parameters, such as plant height, fertile branches per plant, pods per plant (or clusters), seeds per pod, and seed yield, increased when treated with 0.2% and 0.4% SA compared to the control. Furthermore, the total chlorophyll content and carotenoids increased in the sample treated with 0.2% SA over the control but decreased with higher concentrations. Scanning electron microscopy revealed that stomatal aperture and seed dimensions increased at lower concentrations of sodium azide treatment. The study found a positive correlation between the different parameters studied in the Trigonella species, as indicated by high r-values. Based on their findings, it was concluded that the genotype of fenugreek can be improved by using 0.2% and 0.4% concentrations of sodium azide. However, the evaluation of observed variants in successive generations is a critical and necessary process to validate their potential as keystones for crop genetic improvements.

Determination of lethal dose (LD50) and sensitivity of fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum) to sodium azide for induction of mutation

The present experiment was conducted in the year 2021 at Sri Karan Narendra Agriculture University, Jobner, Rajasthan, to determine the optimum dose (LD50) and duration of the chemical mutagen treatment for the induction of desirable mutation. A set of 100 pre-soaked fenugreek seeds were treated with 12 different concentrations of sodium azide, viz. 0.3 mM, 0.6 mM, 1 mM, 2 mM, 3 mM, 4 mM, 5 mM, 6 mM, 7 mM, 8 mM, 9 mM and 10 mM for three different durations, viz. 3 h, 6 h and 9 h. Results showed that a dose-dependent decreasing tendency was observed in germination percentage, survival percentage, root length and shoot length with increasing concentration and duration of sodium azide treatment. Almost all the mutagenic treatments resulted in decrease in germination percentage, survival percentage and seedling height (root and shoot length) with increasing concentrations and duration of mutagen in laboratory conditions. Also, the LD50 value was observed as an 8 mM sodium azide concentration for 6 h in fenugreek. The mutagen treatments given at 9 h duration were detrimental for fenugreek. They cannot be used for mutation induction as they are utterly lethal after a 3 mM sodium azide concentration. So, lower treatments of mutagens have influenced less biological damage and would be suitable for inducing desirable mutations.

Improving French bean yield potential through induced mutagenesis using EMS and SA

IntroductionFrench bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) holds global significance as one of the most consumed legumes, with commercial value surpassing that of all other legume crops combined. In India, the consumption of French beans has grown steadily, especially in the North Eastern region, driven by heightened consumer interest in its nutritional benefits. Considering these factors, we initiated an induced mutagenesis program to enhance the genetic diversity of locally grown French bean genotypes, traditionally cultivated for their superior adaptability.MethodsTo achieve this, we initiated an induced mutagenesis program. Seeds from the village seed stock were subjected to treatments with varying doses of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) ranging from 0.1% to 0.4% and sodium azide (SA) from 0.1% to 0.4%. The objective was to increase yield potential and enhance genetic diversity.ResultsThe treatment with EMS and SA led to a non-specific, dosage-independent reduction in biophysiological characteristics in French bean mutants. Notably, the 0.4% SA treatment significantly inhibited germination and fertility, causing a decrease in chlorophyll (10.02 mg. g-1 FW) and carotenoid (1.57 mg. g-1 FW) levels. This suggests a disruption in genes associated with chlorophyll and carotenoid synthesis. However, in the M2 generation, the mutagenic treatments substantially improved yield and associated traits. The highest pod yield per plant was recorded at 79.50 gm for the 0.2% EMS treatment. A character association study revealed strong correlations (0.217 to 0.995) between pod yield and other agronomic traits.DiscussionThe results indicate that selecting mutants based on these traits in populations treated with EMS and SA can significantly increase crop yield. The 0.2% SA and 0.2% EMS M2 mutant populations exhibited the highest induced variability, making them ideal for selecting higher-yielding mutant lines for further breeding generations. The increased yields in these mutant lines, derived from a local cultivar, show promise for meeting the growing demand for French bean production through their widespread cultivation.

Analytical Validation of Two Assays for Equine Ceruloplasmin Ferroxidase Activity Assessment.

Ceruloplasmin (Cp) assessment in biological samples exploits the oxidase activity of this enzyme against several substrates, such as p-phenylenediamine (p-P), o-dianisidine (o-D) and, most recently, ammonium iron(II) sulfate (AIS). Once developed in humans, these assays are often used in veterinary medicine without appropriately optimizing in the animal species of interest. In this study, two assays using AIS and o-D as substrates have been compared and validated for Cp oxidase activity assessment in horse's plasma. The optimization of the assays was performed mainly by varying the buffer pH as well as the buffer and the substrate molar concentration. Under the best analytical conditions obtained, the horse blood serum samples were treated with sodium azide, a potent Cp inhibitor. In the o-D assay, 500 µM sodium azide treatment completely inhibits the enzymatic activity of Cp, whereas, using the AIS assay, a residual analytical signal was still present even at the highest (2000 µM) sodium azide concentration. Even though the analytical values obtained from these methods are well correlated, the enzymatic activity values significantly differ when expressed in Units L-1. A disagreement between these assays has also been detected with the Bland-Altman plot, showing a progressive discrepancy between methods with increasing analytical values.

Phloretin as an add-on therapy to losartan attenuates diabetes-induced AKI in rats: A potential therapeutic approach targeting TLR4-induced inflammation

AimTargeting Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and Angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R) could provide renoprotection during acute kidney injury (AKI) mainly by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptosis. Phloretin (TLR4 inhibitor) as an add-on therapy to losartan (AT1R inhibitor) could provide more therapeutic benefits against AKI under diabetic condition. We aimed to study the effect of phloretin as an add-on therapy to losartan against AKI under diabetic condition. Main methodsTo mimic diabetic AKI condition, bilateral ischemia-reperfusion injury (BIRI) was done in diabetic male Wistar rats, and sodium azide treatment was given to high glucose NRK52E cells to mimic hypoxia-reperfusion injury. In diabetic rats, phloretin (50 mg/kg/per os (p.o.)) and losartan (10 mg/kg/p.o.) treatment was given for 4 days and 1 h prior to surgery while in NRK52E cells, both drugs (phloretin 50 μM and losartan 10 μM) were given 24 h prior to the hypoxia condition. The in vivo and in vitro samples were further used for different experiments. Key findingsTreatment with phloretin and losartan decreased diabetic and AKI biomarkers such as plasma creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and kidney injury molecular 1 (KIM1). Moreover, a combination of phloretin and losartan significantly preserved ΔΨm and kidney morphology potentially by inhibiting TLR4-associated inflammation and AT1R-associated mitochondrial dysfunction, thereby oxidative stress. SignificanceCombination therapy of phloretin and losartan was more effective than monotherapies. Both drugs target TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and reduce inflammation and mitochondrial dysfunction in AKI under diabetic condition.

Effect of Sodium Azide Treatment at Different Duration and Concentration on germination and Seedling Growth Characters in Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Wheat in the world and in Turkey to be essential nutrients to maintain the leading status in the still, as a result, it is widely cultivated. Therefore, it is important to increase the genetic and physiological diversity in wheat. Mutation breeding is an effective method for increasing genetic diversity in cultivated plants. The aim of this study is the identification of different duration [control (10 min), 1 h, 2 h and 3 h] effects and concentrations [0 (control), 0.5, 1, 1.5 and 2 mM] of sodium azide (NaN3) mutagen in germination and seedling growth on wheat (Kırik cultivar) and determine the optimum doses of sodium azit which can be used in breeding programs. This study was conducted in 4 replicates according to the completely randomized factorial design. Some germination and seedling characters were investigated in this study. The results showed that except the germination percentage application of sodium azide in different concentrations and duration were significantly affected all considering traits. We believe that increase concentration and duration treatment of SA leads to decreases germination rate index and germination vigor index despite that means time to germination also was increased. Likewise, seedling growth characters significantly were affected by NaN3 application concentration and duration. Also based on the value of LD50 2 h treatment + 1 mM concentration was determined for the optimum dose of the applied root and shoot length.

PHYSICAL AND CHEMICAL MUTAGENESIS IN CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS PLANT USING SCOT MARKERS

The current study comprising molecular identification of the mutagenic effects of gamma rays and sodium azide on Catharanthus roseus using scot markers took place at the Department of Biology, University of Kufa, Iraq. The seeds of two cultivars, i.e., ‘victory carmine’ and a local variety (pink variety) of Catharanthus roseus L (carmine var.) received irradiation with two doses of gamma rays (50 Gray and 75 Gray). Afterward, these got soaked in sodium azide with four concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%) to induce the genetic variation in the cultivar. The non-treated seeds served as control treatments for comparison with treated ones. Accomplishing irradiation was at an average of 18 Gy/h using Cobalt-60. The effects of gamma rays and sodium azide treatments’ evaluation were through 10 start codon targeted (SCoT) DNA markers. The higher number of distinctive fingerprints was three produced by primers SCoT-26, while primer SCoT-60 provided a distinct fingerprint for only one treatment. However, primer SCoT-40 failed to recognize any treatment with a distinctive fingerprint. The highest molecular size (2488 bp) came from primer SCoT-54, whereas the lower molecular size (143 bp) resulted in primer SCoT-12. Primer SCoT-33 provided the highest value for chief and unique bands, reaching 33 and 18, respectively. The highest number of amplified bands was 77 bands in primer SCoT-54. Primer SCoT-60 produced the highest value for monomorphic bands, primer SCoT-12 gave the highest value for polymorphic bands, polymorphism, and discriminatory (15, 68.18, and 20.83, respectively), and primer SCoT-9 produced the highest value for efficiency.

ASSESSMENT OF VARIATIONS IN CATHARANTHUS ROSEUS L. INDUCED BY GAMMA RAYS AND SODIUM AZIDE USING RAPD MARKERS

The study of genetic variations in Catharanthus roseus L. induced by gamma rays and sodium azide using RAPD markers transpired in 2021–2022 at the Department of Biology, University of Kufa, Iraq. The seeds of two cultivars of Catharanthus roseus L., i.e., victory pure white and local (pink variety), received two doses of gamma rays (50 and 75 Gray) and four sodium azide concentrations (0.2%, 0.4%, 0.6%, and 0.8%). Non-treated seeds of both cultivars also served as a control for comparison. Evaluating the effects obtained through the exposure of C. roseus seeds to gamma rays and sodium azide employed DNA markers, including 16 primers used in applying RAPDs. DNA extraction, accomplished from fresh apical leaves, underwent molecular markers application. RAPD markers could detect the generation of genetic variation induced by gamma rays and sodium azide treatments through the appearance of polymorphic bands. Using 16 RAPD primers, the largest molecular size was 2,543 bp produced by primer OPB-17, with the lowest 114 bp produced by primer OPC-08. The highest number of main and polymorphic bands was 18 and 10, respectively, in primer OPA-10. The highest number of monomorphic bands was eight in primer OPX-17, which affected its ability to give the lowest value for polymorphism. The highest number of amplified bands was 78 bands in primer OPC-09. Primer OPA-10 provided the highest number of polymorphic and unique bands, as well as, the highest values for discrimination and primer efficiency. Primer OPC-09, with seven treatments resulting in a unique fingerprint, is superior to all other primers.

Determination of the effective of chemical mutagenesis using sodium azide to improvement of vegetative growth and flowering characteristics in Helichrysum bracteatum L. plant

This study were carried out on Helichrysum bracteatum L. plant at the Experimental nursery of the Ornamental Hort. Dept., Fac. Agric., Cairo Univ., Giza, Egypt, during the two successive seasons (2014/15 and 2015/16). The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of on some vegetative and flowering parameters and anatomical structure of leaves and flowers. Seeds of H. bracteatum L. were exposed to four concentrations of (0.05, 0.1, 0.2 and 0.3%) of sodium azide (NaN3) solution for six hours; one set of seeds was kept without sodium azide treatment (untreated) to act as control. The obtained data revealed that the low concentration of sodium azide (SA) increased plant height, number of leaves/ plant, stem diameter (cm) number of flowers, flowers fresh weight (g)/plant and flowers dry weight (g)/plant in M1 and M2. The ratio of chlorophyll (a and b) showed a markedly decrease as a result of increasing sodium azide concentrations. On contrary, in case of carotenoids showed a markedly increase as a result of decreasing sodium azide concentrations. Were obtained on many morphological mutants in flowers through two generations. Some parameters of anatomical structure of leaves and flowers and to confirm the stability of some of the mutations were obtained during the second generations.

N-myc downstream regulated gene 1 (ndrg1) functions as a molecular switch for cellular adaptation to hypoxia.

Lack of oxygen (hypoxia and anoxia) is detrimental to cell function and survival and underlies many disease conditions. Hence, metazoans have evolved mechanisms to adapt to low oxygen. One such mechanism, metabolic suppression, decreases the cellular demand for oxygen by downregulating ATP-demanding processes. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying this adaptation are poorly understood. Here, we report on the role of ndrg1a in hypoxia adaptation of the anoxia-tolerant zebrafish embryo. ndrg1a is expressed in the kidney and ionocytes, cell types that use large amounts of ATP to maintain ion homeostasis. ndrg1a mutants are viable and develop normally when raised under normal oxygen. However, their survival and kidney function is reduced relative to WT embryos following exposure to prolonged anoxia. We further demonstrate that Ndrg1a binds to the energy-demanding sodium-potassium ATPase (NKA) pump under anoxia and is required for its degradation, which may preserve ATP in the kidney and ionocytes and contribute to energy homeostasis. Lastly, we show that sodium azide treatment, which increases lactate levels under normoxia, is sufficient to trigger NKA degradation in an Ndrg1a-dependent manner. These findings support a model whereby Ndrg1a is essential for hypoxia adaptation and functions downstream of lactate signaling to induce NKA degradation, a process known to conserve cellular energy.

Comparative Mutagenic Effectiveness and Efficiency of Gamma Rays and Sodium Azide in Inducing Chlorophyll and Morphological Mutants of Cowpea.

Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency are the most important factors determining the success of mutation breeding, a coherent tool for quickly enhancing genetic diversity in crops. However, conclusive evidence of using an effective and efficient dose of gamma (γ) rays and sodium azide (SA) for genetic improvement is scant. The present study assesses genetic diversity in M2 mutants of cowpea and evaluates mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of the single and combination doses of γ rays and SA. In M0 generation, 7200 M1 seeds obtained by SA treatment (0.01—0.1%) and γ irradiation (100—1000 Gy) at a dose rate of 11.58 Gy/min were sown to raise M1 generation. A total of 57,620 M2 seeds were generated from the M1 generation of two varieties—Gomati VU-89 and Pusa-578, from which 47,650 seeds germinated. Moreover, plants (38,749) that survived were screened for chlorophyll and morphological mutations. Among the mutagens, SA followed by γ rays + SA and γ rays was most effective in inducing higher frequency and a broader spectrum of chlorophyll mutants. A wide range of morphological mutants affecting every growth stage was recorded with the highest frequency in 400 Gy γ rays + 0.04% SA treatment. These morphological mutants with desirable agronomic traits represent a valuable genetic resource for future breeding programs. This study revealed the potency of γ rays and SA in increasing genetic diversity and demonstrated the successful conduct of induced mutagenesis in the cowpea.

EFFECTS OF SODIUM AZIDE TREATMENTS ON PLANT SURVIVAL AND PERFORMANCE OF SOY BEAN (GLYCINE MAX) IN THE PHYTOREMEDIATION OF A HYDROCARBON POLLUTED SOIL

The present study investigated the effects of sodium azide (NaN3) treatments on plant survival and performance of soy bean in the phytoremediation of a hydrocarbon polluted soil. Soil was previously polluted separately with waste petrol-engine oil (WPEO) and waste diesel-engine oil (WDEO) respectively at 0, 1, 2.5, and 5% w/w oil in soil for two months prior to cultivation of soybean in polluted and control soils. Seeds were pre-treated with 0.016% w/v NaN3 solution `for 1 hour before sowing in polluted and control soils. Results showed that performance of soybean was adversely affected by oil pollution; the effects being more in the WDEO-polluted soil than in the WPEO-polluted soil. Number of pods per plant reduced comparatively with increase in level of oil pollution. There were 40 pods per treated plants in 1% WPEO, 30 pods in 2% WPEO, 23 pods in 5% WPEO, 25 pods in 1% WDEO, 19 pods in 5% WDEO and 11 pods in 5% WDEO, compared to 59 pods in the control plants. The removal of treated soybean plants necessitated significant removal of heavy metal fractions of the polluted soil. The present study also showed that removal of soybean plants resulted in significant reductions in pollution indices (hazard quotient and contamination factors) used in the study. Although oil pollution of soil negatively impacted on plant survival and yield performances of soybean plants, plant survival and phytoremediative capability were however enhanced by pre-treatment with NaN3.

Nigella sativa callus treated with sodium azide exhibit augmented antioxidant activity and DNA damage inhibition

Nigella sativa L. (NS) is an herbaceous plant, possessing phytochemicals of therapeutic importance. Thymoquinone is one of the active phytochemicals of NS that confers noteworthy antioxidant properties. Sodium azide, an agent of abiotic stress, can modulates antioxidant system in plants. In the present investigation, sodium azide (0, 5 µM, 10 µM, 20 µM, 50 µM, 100 µM and 200 µM) doses administered to the in vitro NS callus cultures for production/modification of secondary metabolites with augmented activity. 200 µM sodium azide treated NS callus exhibited maximum peroxidase activity (1.286 ± 0.101 nanokatal mg−1 protein) and polyphenol oxidase activity (1.590 ± 0.110 nanokatal mg−1 protein), while 100 µM sodium azide treated NS callus for optimum catalase activity (1.250 ± 0.105 nanokatal mg−1 protein). Further, 200 µM sodium azide treated NS callus obtained significantly the highest phenolics (3.666 ± 0.475 mg g−1 callus fresh weight), 20 µM sodium azide treated NS callus, the highest flavonoids (1.308 ± 0.082 mg g−1 callus fresh weight) and 100 µM sodium azide treated NS callus, the highest carotenes (1.273 ± 0.066 mg g−1 callus fresh weight). However, NS callus exhibited a decrease in thymoquinone yield/content vis-à-vis possible emergence of its analog with 5.3 min retention time and an increase in antioxidant property. Treatment with 200 µM sodium azide registered significantly the lowest percent yield of callus extract (4.6 ± 0.36 mg g−1 callus fresh weight) and thymoquinone yield (16.65 ± 2.52 µg g−1 callus fresh weight) and content (0.36 ± 0.07 mg g−1 callus dry weight) and the highest antioxidant activity (3.873 ± 0.402%), signifying a negative correlation of the former with the latter. DNA damage inhibition (24.3 ± 1.7%) was recorded significantly maximum at 200 µM sodium azide treatment. Sodium azide treated callus also recorded emergence of a new peak at 5.3 min retention time (possibly an analog of thymoquinone with augmented antioxidant activity) whose area exhibits significantly negative correlation with callus extract yield and thymoquinone yield/content and positive correlation with antioxidant activity and in vitro DNA damage inhibition. Thus, sodium azide treatment to NS callus confers possible production of secondary metabolites or thymoquinone analog (s) responsible for elevated antioxidant property and inhibition to DNA damage. The formation of potent antioxidants through sodium azide treatment to NS could be worthy for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical industries.

ANALYSIS OF GENETIC CORRELATION BETWEEN SOME TRAITS IN M2 WHEAT MUTANT AS INFLUENCED BY SODIUM AZIDE UNDER WATER STRESS

Correlation is the simultaneous variation of two variables. It is often desirable to observe and measure the relationship between two traits. A field experiment was conducted during the growing season 2018/2019, to calculate correlation for days to heading, plant growth, spike traits, yield and its components in four wheat genotypes (Gemmeiza-11, Sids-12, Shandweel-1 and Sahel-1) in M2 generation using sodium azaide at (0, 0.04, 0.06 and 0.08 %), at the Experimental farm, Faculty of Technology and Development, Zagazig University, Egypt. This research was conducted with three replications in split plot design. Analysis of variance showed significant and highly significant differences among treatments for all traits. Mean square du to genotypes was significant and highly significant for days to 50% heading, plant height, number of tillers/plant, peduncle length, spike length, number of spikes /plant, number of spikelets / spike, number of grains/ spike, 1000-grain weight, and grain yield /plant. Meanwhile, analysis of variance for sodium azide treatments revealed highly significant for days to heading, peduncle length, No. of tillers / plant, Protein content % and grain yield plant. While it showed significant for No. of spikeliets /spike, No. of infertile spikelets / spike, No. of fertile spikelets / spike, No. of spikes / plant, straw yield / plant and biological yield/plant. The results demonstrated significantly (P≤0.05) positive association between various traits, such as 1000-grain weight made positive and significant correlation with harvest index % (0.71**) and grain yield /plant (0.62 **). Straw yield/plant demonstrated positive and highly significant association with biological yield/plant (0.99**), grain yield/plant (0.83**). Meanwhile, biological yield/plant demonstrated positive and highly significant association with grain yield/plant (0.89**). Harvest index showed positive and highly significant association with grain yield/plant (0.72**). These results demonstrating a comprehensive selection for these traits will ultimately improve grain yield in bread wheat genotypes Conclusively, genetic correlation coefficient represents the degree to which respective traits are correlated therefore correlation coefficient have predictive value in selection for water stress.

Effects of Chemical Mutagen (Sodium Azide) on Onion Grown in Organic and Inorganic Fertilized Soil

The effects of chemical agent (Sodium Azide) on Onion growing in organic and inorganic fertile soil was to be examined during this study. The analysis work was carried out within the green house of the research laboratory technology of the Oke Ogun Science Laboratory Technology, Saki, Oyo State. Onion seeds were soaked inside different beakers containing the mixture of Sodium Azide and water mixed with 10 ml of Phosphate solution for 4 hours. Also, the control was soaked with normal water and 10 ml of Phosphate buffer solution. The treated seeds of onions was planted in plastic containers containing 4.2 g of weighed humus soil within the green house at the Department of research lab Technology of The Oke Ogun polytechnic school, Saki Oyo State. The samples parameter were taken daily for six consecutive months. The result obtained was additionally subjected to statistical analysis by using DMRT techniques. The results showed that the stem length was ranged from 11.39±0.62 and 9.98±0.52 with sample of onion without sodium Azide and inorganic had the highest stem length values and samples of onion with Sodium Azide and inorganic had very cheap stem length. However, the leave length ranged from 29.63±0.12 and 22.45±0.10 with the Onion samples with inorganic and Organic fertilizers which had the highest leave length and sample of onion without Sodium Azide was very low leave length. The results of this study showed that each one the parameters studied within the plant were low with Sodium Azide treatment. The decrease in plant growth, plant heights, root lengths, and Phaonerogam survival, fruit yield per plant and height at maturity with agent concentration. It is hereof suggested that Sodium Azide (NaN3) was expected to produce mutation in onion that area unit extremely liable to harmful pathogens and making them cheap to be useful for farmers.

Differential effects of gamma rays, EMS, and SA on biological parameters of Ajara Ghansal a non-Basmati aromatic rice landrace from Kolhapur, Maharashtra

Ajara Ghansal is a local rice landrace (Oryza sativa L.) from Kolhapur and has aromatic grains as well as good cooking grain quality. For the induction of mutations, two chemical mutagens Ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) and Sodium Azide (SA) and one physical (gamma rays) radiation were used with three different concentrations and doses, respectively. For each treatment, 500 seeds were used. In M1 generation, seed germination (%), lethality (%), chromosomal abnormality (%), chlorophyll deficient sector (%), pollen sterility (%), and plant survival were determined. In M2 generation, observations on effectiveness, efficiency and mutation rate of all the three mutagens were calculated based on parameters like reduction in seedling height, lethality (%) and pollen sterility (%). The highest mutagenic effectiveness was observed in SA treatment whereas the highest mutagenic efficiency was observed in EMS treatment. The mutation rate of all the mutagens was calculated and the highest mutation rate in terms of effectiveness was reported in SA (3.57) while the highest mutation rate in terms of efficiency was observed in EMS (2.06) treatment. Among these three mutagenic treatments, EMS 0.8%, SA 0.006%, and gamma rays 200 Gy treatments are the most effective treatments to generate a useful genetic variation for the improvement of non-basmati aromatic landrace Ajara Ghansal.

Effects of Mutagens on Morphological traits of Psoralea corylifolia-A Medicinally Important Plant

Mutation breeding like in other plants can significantly strengthen medicinal plants breeding programs and help to produce novel varieties with higher yield potential and improved yield quality. The dry and healthy seeds of P. corylifolia IC 111228 were subjected to mutagenic treatments namely ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and sodium azide (SA). The treatment concentrations 15mM, 30mM, 45mM and 60mM of EMS and 1mM, 2mM, 3mM and 4mM of SA were chosen to evaluate the mutagenic potential in either case. The morphological traits were evaluated in M1 generation viz. plant height, days to flowering initiation, seed yield/plant and 100-seed weight. In EMS treatment 15 mM increased the plant height and seed yield, while in SA treatment 4 mM increased the seed yield/plant and 100-seed yield.