Effects of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate on Vegetative Traits of Selected Genoytpes of Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.)

Abstract

Groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is a multi-purpose legume crop widely cultivated in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA). However, several species of groundnut suffer substantial yield losses as a result of narrow genetic base and insect-pest attack. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of EMS on morphological traits of four (4) groundnut (Arachis hypogaea L.) genotypes viz Samnut 24, Samnut 25, Samnut 26 and ICG4412. Field experiment was laid out in Complete Randomized Design (CRD) with three (3) replicates. The seeds of the four (4) groundnut accessions were treated with various concentration of EMS (0.0 %, 0.1 %, 0.2 %, 0.3 % and 0.4 %) for 6 hours, they were then removed and rinsed with distilled water to remove the trace of mutagen sticking to the seed coat. Data on vegetative parameters were collected following standard procedures. Results obtained showed that 0.1 % EMS concentration had the highest plant height (46.79 cm) at week 12 but was not significantly different from 0.3 % and 0.4 % concentrations (43.37 and 43.28 cm) respectively. The significantly least plant height at week 12 after planting was recorded at 0.2 % concentration (35.28 cm). No significant difference was observed among the varieties in terms of plant height. EMS concentration 0.1 % showed the significant highest number of leaves per plant at week 12 (297) while the least was recorded at 0.4 % concentration (177). Among the varieties, ICG 4412 had the significant highest number of leaves (289.20) at week 12 after planting and the least value was obtained in variety SAMNUT 26 (158.93). EMS concentration 0.1 % had the significant highest number of branches at maturity (13.25) while the least was recorded at 0.4 % EMS concentration (8.92). In terms of varietal performance, Samnut 26 had the significantly highest number of branches per plants (12.47), but was not significantly different from ICG 4412 (12.07). SAMNUT 25 was observed the have the significantly least number of branches per plant (9.13). The results obtained showed significant amount of variability in morphological parameters of the genotypes as a result of exposure to EMS which may essentially affect their productivity. This study revealed that EMS concentration 0.1 % Is the optimum concentration for inducing genetic variability in groundnut plant.