Cytomorphological effects of gamma rays on Capsicum annuum

Abstract

Dry seeds of Capsicum annuum var. Saini were irradiated with gamma rays (100-400 Gy) and the radioresponse was studied on the basis of the survival of seedlings, growth performances, yield, pollen sterility and cytological abnormalities. The abnormal chromosomes displayed stickiness, clumping, altered configurations, breakages, laggards, bridges, unusual separation/orientation and abnormal microspores, and their frequencies were directly correlated with the 60Co dose of gamma rays. Pollen sterility increased linearly with increasing doses of gamma rays. The yield was measured in terms of the number of fruits per plant and it decreased with higher doses of mutagen. None of the doses was beneficial for the variety of Capsicum under investigation.