Effects of n-methyl-n-nitrosourea on seed germination of Stevia rebaudiana

• Published in: Sains Malaysiana
• Main Author: Ahmad L.W.Z.; Zainuddin Z.; Osman M.; Mohamad A.; Sidik N.J.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 2019
• Online Access: https://www.scopus.com/inward/record.uri?eid=2-s2.0-85063379584&doi=10.17576%2fjsm-2019-4802-05&partnerID=40&md5=8d9c22daed8f8df9ce53f37e1ae665f1

Stevia rebaudiana is a unique plant that contains non-caloric natural sweetener and has gained much interest among Malaysians. In this study, the effect of different concentrations of N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU) was assessed in inducing mutation in Stevia seeds to produce genetic variations, which is valuable for crop improvement. Stevia seeds were soaked in six concentrations of MNU (0.0, 0.13, 0.25, 0.38, 0.50, and 1.00 mM) for four different durations (15, 30, 45, and 60 min) at room temperature. As a result, application of MNU reduced the germination percentage and germination rate of Stevia seeds as compared to the control group. Prolonged exposure to the highest concentration of MNU recorded the lowest percentage of germination (2.5 ± 1.4%) and the lowest germination rate (0.21 ± 0.16). Tricots were observed among seedlings treated with 0.13, 0.38 and 1.0 mM of MNU for 30 min. Presence of seedlings with albino colour proved the mutagenic effect of MNU on Stevia genome. Based on the percentage of seedlings with chlorophyll mutation, the most effective and efficient mutagenic treatment to induce mutation was 60 min in 0.25 mM of MNU. © 2019 Penerbit Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia. All Rights Reserved.