Induction of variability for leaf characters through physical and chemical mutagens in turmeric cv. prathibha

Abstract

The present investigation was conducted during kharif 2016-2017 at College of Horticulture, Dr. Y.S.R. Horticultural University, Venkataramannagudem to assess the impact of mutagens on leaf characters like leaf length, leaf width, leaf chlorophyll and leaf curcumin in turmeric. The experiment was laid out in factorial randomized block design and replicated thrice under open field condition. Rhizomes are treated with gamma rays (25 Gy and 50 Gy) and EMS (250 ppm, 500 ppm and 1000 ppm) along with control. The plants recorded maximum leaf length, width, chlorophyll content and curcumin with 25 Gy, 250 ppm EMS and combination of 25 Gy + 250 ppm EMS. Among the treatments, 25 Gy gamma rays and 250 ppm EMS concentration resulted in creating variability in turmeric.