Induction of mutation in Jasminum grandiflorum with gamma rays and EMS and identification of novel mutants using molecular markers and SEM imaging

Induced mutation is an exceptionally novel method of creating genetic variability and fast method of developing new cultivars especially in ornamental crops. The present experiment was conducted during 20162018 to assess the effect of the mutagens viz., gamma irradiation and EMS on Jasminum grandiflorum cv. White Pitchi for identification of novel mutants using molecular markers. Terminal cuttings were treated with 10, 15, 20 and 25 Gy of gamma rays and 25, 30, 35 and 40 mM of EMS. Morphological and flowering parameters namely, plant height, number of primary branches, leaf area, flower yield and flower bud length were reduced with increase in dosage of the mutagens. Lower doses of gamma rays were associated with earliness in flowering compared to untreated control. Comparative biochemical analysis, scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging and molecular analysis were carried out to understand the nature of mutation. Molecular analysis based on ISSR data revealed that Jaccard's similarity index ranged from 0.91 to 1.00, indicating that there was not much significant variation at genetic level between the parent and the putative mutants. SEM analysis of one of the putative mutants revealed that the epidermal cells of exposed leaves appeared relatively deformed with sparse trichomes compared to unirradiated leaves.