Induction of Variability in Three Nigerian Pepper Varieties using Gamma Irradiation

Abstract

This study was aimed at inducing mutation on three cultivars of Capsicum annuum L. to source for new and favourable genetic variations that could be exploited for better agronomic traits. The mutation was induced by exposing the seeds of Shombo, Tatase and Nsukka yellow pepper to varied dosages (0, 50, 100, 150 and 200 Gy from 60Co source) of gamma irradiation. The study was conducted in the Botanic Garden of the University of Nigeria. Seeds exposed to 50Gy produced significantly (P < 0.05) the highest number of fruits per plant, highest fruit yield and improved morphological traits in Shombo. Higher dosages of irradiation gave lower fruits per plant and yields than untreated seeds in Shombo. Tatase irradiated with 150 Gy had significantly the highest single fresh fruit weight. Generally in Tatase 50, 100 and 150Gy increased some morphological traits significantly (P < 0.05). Although 50 Gy gave highest number of fruits per plant, 100, 150 and 200Gy had significantly higher fruit yield with yield increasing as dosage increased. For Nsukka yellow, irradiation did not show a consistent pattern in improving morphological traits. But 200Gy produced significantly the highest number of fruits per plant and highest yield. Gamma irradiation dosage of 50 – 200 Gy can be exploited to create variability for improvement of morphological and yield traits in pepper plants.