Effect of chemical mutagens on sprouting and survival of dragon fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus) cuttings cv. Jumo red

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus spp.) is an excellent tropical fruit with exotic appearance which is also known as pitaya., rich in vitamin C and antioxidants. The chances of crop improvement through conventional breeding is a limitation in dragon fruit, hence induced mutation can be exploited for creating genetic variability. The present study was carried out during January 2023 to December 2024 at the Regional Horticultural Research Station, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari to induce the variability in red flesh dragon fruit cv. Jumbo red. The experiment was laid out in completely randomized design (CRD) with seven treatments and four replications with different dosage of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate (T1: 3.0%, T2: 3.5% and T3: 4.0%) and Sodium azide (T4: 0.05%, T5: 0.075% and T6: 0.1%) soaking for 6 and 4 hrs. respectively, along with T7: Control (Untreated) treatment. In the present investigation effects of different concentrations of chemical mutagens on sprouting and survival of dragon fruit were evaluated. The outcome of the variance analysis showed highly significant difference (P<0.05) for the evaluated traits. Significantly minimum (20.39) days to sprouting, maximum (100% each) percentage of sprouting and survival were observed in control (Untreated). While, the maximum number of sprouts (1.37, 1.75 and 2.55) were recorded in Sodium azide @ 0.1% soaked for 4 hrs. treatment at 30, 60 DAT and at planting respectively. Ethyl methane sulphonate treatments showed inhibitory effect as compared to sodium azide and control (Untreated) treatment for sprouting and survival of the cuttings.