Mutation breeding in cauliflower

Abstract

Two varieties of cauliflower namely Pusa Deepali and Early Kunwari were treated with ethyl methane sulphonate to study the effects on various parameters. The 0.4% EMS treatment created maximum variability. Percentage disease intensity and disease index indicated that in all the treatments plants were susceptible, whereas 0.4% EMS treatments produced resistant plants at seeding stage. The germination and survival percentage decreased with increased EMS concentrations. High Genotypic and phenotypes variances were recorded for all the characters. High variability and genetic advance were recorded for whole plant weight, curd weight, leaf weight, harvest index, leaf area, germination and survival percentage. Positive and significant character association was recorded for fresh weight curd with leaf area, harvest index, whole plant weight and fresh weight of leaves. Path coefficient analysis revealed that whole plant weight had high direct effect on fresh weight of curds in positive direction.