Genotoxic effect of diethyl sulphate in two varieties of Capsicum annuum L.

Seeds of Capsicum annuum L. var. Pusa jwala and G4 were treated with varying concentrations (0.01% - to- 0.05%) of diethyl sulphate (DES) and their effect on different stages of meiosis studied in M-1 generation. Various types of meiotic abnormalities and reduction in chiasma frequency were noticed in the diethyl sulphate treated populations. The highest percentage of chromosomal aberration (22.66% in var. G4 and 20.45% in var. pusa jwala) was recorded at the highest concentration (0.05% DES) of the mutagen. However, DES treatments were found to be more effective in inducing meiotic abnormalities and reduction in chiasma frequency in var. G4 (1.20) as compared to var. Pusa jwala (1.30). Further, a negative relationship between increasing concentrations of DES 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 DES, var. G4 was found to be more sensitive than var. Pusa jwala.