Studies on mutagenesis in garlic using chemical mutagens to determine lethal dose (LD50) and create variability

A study was undertaken to determine the LD50 in garlic variety G-41, to create variability for desirable traits using sodium azide (SA), colchicine and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). Half cut garlic cloves after treating for 6 and 12 h, were planted in randomized block design. Among the durations of treatments, concentrations required to attain LD50 was higher when treated for 6 hours as compared to 12 h in all the three mutagens. LD50 in SA can be obtained at 0.021 and 0.024%, in colchicine at 0.058 and 0.097% and in EMS at 0.674 and 1.222% concentration in 12 h treatment, whereas, it can be obtained at 0.095 and 0.108% in SA, 0.124 and 0.145% in colchicine and 0.826 and 1.222% in EMS in 6 h treatment, respectively at the time of harvesting and at 45 days after planting. Same concentrations can be tried in other varieties or lines of garlic to create variability for further selection.