EMS Induced Karyomorphological Variations in Maize (Zea mays L.) Inbreds

Chemical mutagen induced chromosomal variations were broadly observed from the point of view of understanding themechanics of EMS induced anomalies and biological dosimetry in Zea mays L. Seeds of 6 inbred lines of maize, i.e. CM-135, CM-136, CM-137, CM-138, CM-142, and CM-213 inbreds, were first presoaked in distilled water and then these seeds were treatedwith 0.5% solution of EMS for 3 durations, i.e. 3, 5, and 7 h, and genetic segregations were carefully observed. During the presentinvestigation, through EMS treatment, many chromosomal anomalies, namely precocious movements, stickiness, univalents, bridges,laggards, multivalents etc., were induced in all the inbred lines of maize. Higher frequencies of chromosomal anomalies weredisplayed at the maximum dose (7 h) of treatment in all the inbred lines of maize. Maximum chromosomal anomalies were observedin CM-213 (i.e. 22.92%) but inbred CM-138 displayed better responses in all the morphological parameters at the maximum dose(7 h) of EMS treatment. However, CM-142 was found to be the most suitable inbred line for induced mutagenesis since it registeredminimum chromosomal damage with maximum variability.