| Traditionally, mutagenesis has been used to introduce novel genetic variability in ornamental crops. More recently, it has become a powerful tool in gene discovery and functional analyses in reverse genetics approaches. The present work aimed to compare the efficiency of physical and chemical agents in generating mutant populations of petunia. We have indirectly evaluated the genomic damage by analyzing developmental characteristics of the plantlets derived from treated seeds employing gamma radiation at 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 Gy and the alkylating agent ethyl-methanesulfonate (EMS) at 0, 0.05, 0.1, 0.15, 0.2 and 0.25% (v/v). Gamma rays and EMS caused developmental defects and decreased seedling viability in plants obtained from the mutagenized seeds.... |
