The Effects of Fast Neutron Irradiation on the Leaf Morphology of Capsicum annuum L.

Abstract

In order to assess the effect of fast neutron irradiation (FNI) on the leaf morphology of Capsicum annuum, ), dry seeds of the varieties were exposed to fast neutron irradiation (FNI) from an Americium Beryllium source with a flux of 1.5 × 104 n.cm-2 s-1. Five irradiation treatments, 0, 30, 60, 90, and 120 min. have been tried. The treated seeds were sown with their respective controls and the effects on the leaf of the plants were studied. The results obtained showed that all irradiation treatments caused leaf morphological abnormalities, such as leaves with reduced size, leaves with invaginated or inverted margins, or with a blunt or bifurcated apex, when compared with control plants. There was an increase in leaf abnormalities with increase in the duration of fast neutron irradiation (FNI). 120 min was identified as the most effective irradiation period to induce leaf morphological abnormality in the plants .This information could be used by breeders to produce useful mutations for yield and other parameters in pepper.