Journal of Experimental Agriculture International

Aim: The aim of this study was to assess the responses of sesame and false sesame to different colchicine concentrations in order to determine the concentration(s) that could be best utilized in the genetic improvement of the plants.
Study Design: The treated seeds were sown in a plot with three blocks in a randomized complete block design (RCBD) with three replications in a factorial arrangement for two mutant generations (M₀ and M₁).
Place and Duration of Study: The study was conducted at the Botanical Garden of the Department of Biological Sciences, Ahmadu Bello University Zaria, Nigeria in 2006 and 2007 growing seasons.
Methodology: The seeds of sesame and false sesame were treated with five different colchicine concentrations (0.1mM, 0.5mM, 1.0mM, 2.0mM and 0.0mM as control ) for two mutant generations (M₀ and M₁). Data collected included germination percents (14 DAS), root length, height at maturity, number of leaves/plant, leaf area, internodes length, 1000 seeds weight and dry weight.
Results: The results obtained showed highly significant difference (P≤0.01) in the effects of the mutagen on the germination percents, root length, height at maturity, leaf area, internodes length, 1000 seeds weight and dry weight in almost all the mutant generations except in the number of leaves/plant of the M1 where the effect is significant (P=.05). The effect of the mutagen is concentration dependent, decreases with increase in concentration).The result shows that 0.1mM colchicines concentration produced mutants with high rate of germination that are tall in stature. More so, the mutants produced high number of leaves that are larger in size and which are far distant apart; with higher seed and dry weight.
Conclusion: 0.1mM colchicine concentration was found to be more effective in the genetic improvement of sesame and false sesame growth parameters. The response of sesame to the mutagen was found to be the best.