Impact of mutagenesis on cytological behavior in relation to specific alkaloids in Opium Poppy (<i>Papaver somniferum</i>L.)

Abstract

Abstract The present study was an effort to identify appropriate dose of mutagens for the elevation of specific alkaloids especially thebaine through induced mutagenesis in opium poppy (P. somniferum L.) using two stable high yielding varieties NBRI-1 and NBRI-5. Simultaneously, the study also deals correlation between cytological aberrations and their effects on alkaloid quantity. Among the two varieties NBRI-1 was more sensitive than NBRI-5. The EMS was reported most potent mutagen for creation of chromosomal abnormalities. The treatment kR 10+0.2% EMS and kR10+0.4% EMS possessed high chiasms frequency. The dose 0.2% EMS in combinations with all doses of gamma accelerates the total alkaloid as well as individual alkaloid content.