| Summary: | Present investigation was undertaken to compare the mutagenic efficiency and effectiveness of gamma ray and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) and to study the frequency and spectrum of macro-mutations in tomato. For this purpose, two cultivars of tomato having widely divergent place of origin viz., Patharkutchi of West Bengal, India and Alisa Craig of England were treated with 50, 100, 150, 200 and 250Gy gamma rays and 0.05, 0.10, 0.15, 0.20 and 0.25% (V/V) EMS solution. Results showed that seed germination, seedling height and pollen fertility in M1 generation reduced steadily with the increasing doses of both mutagens. The LD50 dose for Patharkutchi and Alisa Craig was 310.7Gy and 229.7Gy gamma ray, 0.30% and 0.20% EMS concentration, respectively. Gamma ray (50Gy to 150Gy) proved to be more efficient and effective mutagen followed by 0.05% to 10% EMS treatment. Five true breeding mutants hold promise for their utilization in tomato breeding programme.
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