Effects of EMS and SA on meiotic cells and thymoquinone content of<i>Nigella sativa</i>L. cultivars

Abstract

The genotoxic effects of EMS (ethyl methane sulphonate) and SA (sodium azide) were examined on meiotic cell division of Nigella sativa L. using two stable cultivars BHUVN-1 and NRCSSAN-1.The percentage of abnormal pollen mother cells (PMCs) increased as the concentration of both mutagens increased.SA turned out to be a superior mutagenic agent to EMS, inducing fewer chromosomal aberrations and more desired mutational changes.Cultivar NRCSSAN-1 proved to be more sensitive than BHUVN-1 to SA treatment; a reverse response, however, was noted with EMS treatment.The study found no perfect correlation between the chromosomal anomalies and pollen sterility.Of the diverse array of mutant populations screened for morphological and biochemical changes, total oil and thymoquinone content were found to be significantly enhanced in NSM8 (a dwarf mutant line).