Some Induced Mutations of Phylogenetic Interest in Lycopersicon

Two varieties of L. esculentum and one of L. peruvianum were treated with different dosages of UV, γ-rays, EMS and combination treatments of γ-rays and EMS. Of the mutants obtained some which appear to be of phylogenetic interest are analysed in this note. The study suggests that L. peruvianum has contributed in the evolution of some wild species of Lycopersicon such as L. hirsutum and L. pimpinellifolium. No mutant could be isolated in L. peruvianum which could give any lead to the relationship of this species with L. esculentum. Isolation of three mutants in L. esculentum apparently confirms the suggestion that L. pimpinelli folium may differ from the cultivated tomato only in a few key genes. Two of the mutants isolated suggest that probably along with L. pimpinellifolium, L. hirsutum might have also participated in the evolution of L. esculentum.