Effect of ethyl methane sulphonate on seed germination of Linum usitatissimum L

Abstract Flaxseed is also known as Linseed belongs to the family Linaceae. In this investigation the chemical mutagene ethyl methane sulphonate were used to develop new and improved mutant lines of Linum usitatissimum L. The chemical mutagene EMS impact on developing new linseed mutants. The seeds of Linum usitatissimum L. (Linseed) var. PKV NL 260 were selected and treated with EMS then used for subsequent investigations. Seeds were procured from Dr. Panjabarao Deshmukh Krishi Vidyappeth, Akola, Maharashtra. Healthy, dry and uniform seeds were treated with various doses 100 mM, 200 mM, 300 mM and 400 mM of ethyl methane sulphonate and untreated (control) to induce mutation. This induced mutation aimed to develop improved yield mutants lines in linseed (Linum usitatissimum L. var. PKV NL 260). Germination parameters such as seed germination percentage, seedling height, and seedling injury were studied. Seed germination percentage of control was 96 %. The seed germination percentage gradually decreased from lower to higher doses in the given ethyl methane sulphonate treatments. In conclusion, the use of chemical mutagens (ethyl methane sulphonate) successfully induced M1 Biological parameters.