Mutagens have remarkable possibilities of improving plants with regard to their quantitative as well as qualitative characters. The present study was undertaken to explore the scope of mutagenesis of three radiomimetic agents in two varieties of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. Desi methi and Kasuri methi common cultivars of Central India. To accompany these aim investigations were carried out to determine comparative mutagenic sensitivity of two varieties. Standardization of dose of EMS, MMS and MES of three radiomimetic agents, frequency of spectrum of mutation, effectiveness and efficiency as well as nature of newly induced macro and micromutations with respect to some quantitative characters of economic importance particularly seed yield. The results indicated an additional variability when the treated populations were advanced from M2 to M3 generation. It thus became evident that there is sufficient scope for selection of beneficial mutants from M3 progeny of treated population. It has also been found that the chemicals like alkaloid present in the seed protect them from the effect of radiomimetic agents.

Mutagens, qualitative characters, radiomimetic agents mutagenesis, Trigonella foenum-graecum

From these studies it may also be concluded that chemicals like, present in seeds of Trigonella foenum-graecum L. two varieties Desi methi and Kasuri methi protect it from the effect of radiomimetic agents. It may be suggested that chemicals which are radiomimetic and alkylating agents MMS, is more effective for such crop and are therefore important tools for inducing beneficial mutations in Trigonella (methi).

Vasu, D. and Hasan Zia ul (2022). Qualitative and Quantitative characters of M3 mutants in Trigonella foenum-graecum L. (Desi methi). International Journal on Emerging Technologies, 13(2): 18–30.