Meiotic consequences of gamma rays, SA and EMS in Ocimum sanctum Linn.

The effect of gamma rays at 200, 400 and 600 Gy. Sodium azide (SA) at 0.001, 0.002 and 0.003% and ethyl methanesulphonate (EMS) at 0.1, 0.2 and 0.4% on meiosis in flower buds of Ocimum sanctum Linn. was studied. The chromosomal abnormalities in the form of chromosomal bridges, precociously moving chromosomes, laggard and chromosomal fragments were observed. All the mutagens were found to be effective in inducing various meiotic chromosomal aberrations. No aberrations were noticed in the anthers of control plants. The meiotic chromosomal abnormalities increased with increasing concentration of the mutagens. The meiosis was normal, leading to normal tetrads and viable pollen grains.