INDUCED MUTAGENESIS AS A TOOL FOR ALTERING QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE TRAITS IN HELIANTHUS ANNUS L.

Abstract

Induced mutagenesis is a powerful approach for generating novel genetic variability to enhance crop improvement. This study evaluates the effects of physical (gamma rays) and chemical (ethyl methane sulphonate; EMS) mutagens on both qualitative and quantitative traits in Helianthus annuus L. (sunflower). Seeds of the cultivar ‘Sungold’ were treated with graded doses of gamma radiation (100–500 Gy) and EMS (0.1–0.4%). The M1 and M2 generations were evaluated for plant height, days to flowering, head diameter, seed yield, oil content, and qualitative attributes such as flower colour and leaf morphology. Results demonstrated significant mutagen-induced variability, with several desirable phenotypes showing improved yield and oil content. Genetic parameters revealed enhanced phenotypic and genotypic variance and high heritability for several traits, indicating that induced mutagenesis can be efficiently used in sunflower improvement programs.