Mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate in Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

The investigation was undertaken to create genetic variability for desirable traits and isolate promising mutants in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). AKS-207 and PKV-Pink varieties of safflower viz., were treated by various doses of gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate based on LD50. In M1 generation, pollen fertility was found to be decreased with increasing doses of both mutagenic treatments. Depending on the mutagen used, its dose, and the variety the frequency of mutations varied. Mutagenic effectiveness was higher in chemical (EMS) than in physical mutagenic (gamma ray) treatment in both varieties of safflower. The highest effectiveness was observed in 0.4% EMS in AKS-207 and 0.5% EMS treatment in PKV-Pink. Mutagenic efficiency was noticed in the treatment of 0.4% EMS (0.20%) in AKS-207 while 300 Gy gamma rays treatment was most efficient in the variety PKV-Pink of Safflower.