Mutation breeding in improvement of Plantago ovata forsk

Plantago ovata, a medicinal herb, requires improvement in seed yield to meet world demand for its seed husk. Mutation breeding has been attempted on account of the narrow genetic base of the crop. Two mutagens, gamma rays and ethylmethane sulphonate, were tried. The result obtained in all three replicates revealed that 20 kR dose of gamma rays boosted seed yield by more than 200%. The experiments were repeated during years between 1993–1995 and the results were confirmed. These results recorded a breakthrough in a crop not amenable to other techniques for improvement and are of great commercial value.