In vitro approaches for chemical mutagenesis in carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus)

Abstract

Chemical mutagenesis is one of the major approaches for induction of mutation [1]. Subjecting the minimum unit of explant· to mutagen can be achieved through induction of mutation under in vitro conditions of tissue culture where in pressure of diplontic selection is avoided and the opportunity for the mutated cell to survive gets increased [2]. Carnation (Dianthus caryophyllus) is a major cut flower crop grown commercially worldwide and is easily amenable for tissue culture. This study reports the effect of chemical concentration and the incubation duration of explant in mutagen on their survival and growth response. The study is aimed at identifying the right mode of mutagen application under in vitro condition. Two experiments were set up of which the first one dealt with incubation of explant in mutagen before culturing where as the second approach was incorporation of the mutagen into culturing media and subjecting the explant for mutageneis through-out the growing period.