Further Observations on the Effects of Fast Neutron Irradiation on Morphological and Yield Traits of M1 and M2 Generation of African Wrinkled Pepper (Capsicum annuum var abbreviatum Fingerh)

Abstract

Abstract The mutagenic effects of fast Neutron irradiation (FNI) from an Am-Be source with a flux of 1.5 × 104 n cm-2 s-1, on the morphological and yield traits of M1 and M2 (M = filial mutant) generation of African Wrinkled Pepper(Capsicum annuum var abbreviatum Fingerh) were studied. Seeds of the pepper variety were irradiated for 0, 30, 60, 90 and 120 min before they were sown –with their respective controls – in order to assess the effects of the different irradiation treatments on the M1 and M2 generations of the pepper plants. Results showed both negative and positive shifts of characters as a result of FNI treatments. However, 60 minutes was observed to be the most effective IEP to induce viable and useful mutations for yield parameters in the pepper plants. Keywords: mutagenic effects, IEP, FNI, M1 and M2 generations, yield parameters.