GENOTOXIC EFFECT OF ETHYLMETHANE SULPHONATE AND SODIUM AZIDE INLINUM USITATISSIMUM L.

The present investigation provides a comparative account of cytological and developmental effects on EMS (Ethylmethane Sulphonate) and SA (Sodium Azide) on meiotic features in Linum usitatissimum. Seeds of Linum usitatissimum were treated with five concentrations (0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0.08 and 0.10%) of EMS and SA. Different types of meiotic abnormalities as laggards, bridges, chromosome Stickiness, stray chromosomes, precocious movement of chromosomes and multi-nucleate conditions were recorded. Chromosomal aberrations and chiasma frequency per bivalent were found to be correlated with the concentration of chemical mutagens. In general, the meiotic abnormalities increased along with the increase in concentration in mutagens. The maximum frequency of abnormalities both structural and behavioural was induced by EMS in Linum usitatissimum.