Optimization of Mutagenic Doses in Bitter Gourd (Momordica charantia L.) for EMS and Gamma (γ) Rays

Background: Optimizing mutagen doses is a critical step in mutagenesis studies, as it allows researchers to balance the induction of genetic variations with the overall health and viability of the treated plants. The specific optimal doses may vary depending on the species and desired traits to be improved in bitter gourd. Methods: Present research was conducted to create various attributes for selection like macro mutants and micro mutants. In the present study, bitter gourd cultivar Kahalgaon Local was treated with four concentrations of EMS viz., 0.1, 0.2, 0.3 and 0.4% and three doses of gamma rays irradiation viz., 0.25, 0.50 and 0.75 kGy. The germination percentage, survival rate and LD50 value were estimated. Result: Through induced mutagenesis and based on seed germination (%) and plant survival of treated material; it is concluded that, LD50 dose of EMS and gamma rays were 0.2% and 0.25 kGy, respectively. The increase in the treatment dose of EMS and gamma rays, resulted in reduced germination and survival percentage. Among various EMS treatments tested, highest lethality was recorded at 0.4% EMS treatment and lowest lethality was recorded at 0.1% EMS treatment. Similarly, among various gamma irradiation treatments tested, highest lethality was recorded at 0.75 kGy of seed treatment and lowest lethality was recorded at 0.25 kGy of seed treatment.