EMS, sodium azide and gamma rays induced meiotic anomalies in Delphinium malabaricum (Huth) Munz

Abstract

Meiotic cell division is a dynamic cellular process controlled by a large number of genes that act from premeiotic to postmeiotic mitosis. Mutation in these genes may cause anomalies that impair plant fertility. In this study, an attempt has therefore been made to understand the effects of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), sodium azide (SA) and gamma rays on the meiotic configuration of Delphinium malabaricum. The results demonstrated that the mutagens cause various types of cytological aberrations, such as univalents, chromatin bridges, laggards, fragments, stickiness and multinucleated cells. The maximum aberrations were found at higher doses/concentrations of the mutagens. The highest percentage of pollen mother cells showing abnormalities was induced by EMS followed by gamma rays and SA. The mutagen impact on chromosomal anomalies increased the frequency of pollen sterility.