Cytotoxic Effects of Methyl Methane Sulphonate in Two Varieties of Capsicum annuum L.

Seeds of Capsicum annuum L. var. Pusa jwala and G4 were treated with varying concentrations (0.01%, 0.02%, 0.03%, 0.04% and 0.05%) of methyl methane sulphonate (MMS) and their effect on different stages of meiosis has been studied in M₁ generation. Various types of meiotic abnormalities and reduction in chiasma frequency were the characteristics of cytotoxicity induced by MMS observed in treated populations. The highest percentage of chromosomal aberration was recorded at the highest concentration of the mutagen. However, MMS treatments were found to be more effective in inducing meiotic abnormalities and reduction in chiasma frequency in var. G4 as compared to var. Pusa jwala. Moreover, a positive relationship between increasing concentrations of MMS and reduction in chiasma frequency in treated population was also observed. Taking the percentage of meiotic abnormalities and reduction in chiasma frequency as an index of sensitivity of genotype to MMS, var. G4 was found to be more sensitive than var. Pusa jwala.