Induced mutagenesis is one of the most effective ways for trait improvement that does not affect the cultivars' well-optimized genetic background. The study had been focuses on evaluating the effects of gamma rays and EMS (Ethyl methane sulfonate) on tomato var. Kashi Adarsh, Kashi Aman and Kashi Anupam in M1 generation. The experiment was conducted at the Agricultural Research Farm, Institute of Agricultural Sciences at Banaras Hindu University in Varanasi, India, during the Ravi season of 201-19. The experimental design was used as randomized block design, which was replicated three times. The treatments applied in the experiment was control (no treatment), four doses of gamma rays (5kR, 10 kR, 15kR and 20 kR) and four doses of EMS (0.06%, 0.12%, 0.18% and 0.24%). The study was found that both gamma rays and EMS had a negative impact on various aspects of tomato var. Kashi Adarsh, Kashi Aman and Kashi Anupam including seed germination and plant survival. Induced mutations can rapidly create variability in quantitatively and qualitatively inherited traits in crops. EMS was observed to be more effective as a mutagen compared to gamma rays. Tomato is genetically distant from other model plants, making it unique in terms of genetic makeup. Additionally, its sequence information doesn't show significant similarity to other plant species, which complicates the use of tools and knowledge from other model plants. These findings highlight the potential risks associated with mutagenic treatments and provide insights into the sensitivity of tomato plants to these mutagens. Precise identification of accidental mutations is required for understanding trait development and its application in breeding programs.

Gamma rays, EMS (Ethyl methane sulfonate), Kashi Adarsh, Kashi Aman, Kashi Anupam, treatments

The study revealed that there was substantial reduction in seed germination seedling height and plant survival with an increase in doses of gamma rays and EMS. The EMS was more deleterious than gamma rays.

Ravinsh Kumar Maurya, Anand Kumar Singh, Binod Kumar Singh, Akhilesh Kumar Pal and Rohit Kumar Singh (2023). Evaluation of Mutagenic effects of Gamma Rays and EMS on Seed Germination and Plant Survival in M1 Generation of Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.). Biological Forum – An International Journal, 15(8): 567-570.