Mutation in seed-coat colour in black cumin (Nigella sativa L.)

Abstract

In the M2 generation of Nigella sativa L. (Ranunculaceae), five dark reddish brown (3/2), one yellowish brown (5/4) and one peach (512/1) colour seeded plants were spotted out of 7956 plants progenies following treatments of dry, filled and black seeds (moisture content -7.5%) of black cumin with 20 kR gamma irradiation, 10 kR gamma irradiation + 0.25 per cent EMS for 6 hand 0.25 per cent EMS for 12 h respectively. Fully mature seeds were used for colour identification. The colours of the seeds were confirmed from Horticultural Colour Chart (1968) and Munsell Soil Colour Chart (1975). The seeds having peach colour were associated with blackish tinge at the base and apical region and has been designated as bicolour mutant in the text. Mutation frequency of dark reddish brown colour, yellowish brown colour and bicolour seeds was 1.92, 0.055 and 0.54 per cent respectively.