Abstract

EMS and DES were found to be very potent chemical mutagens to induce the meiotic abnormalities in the chromosomes of Chilli (Capsicum annuum L.) var. G4. The meiotic abnormalities induced by mutagen were multivalent association, lagging chromosomes, stickiness of chromosomes. precocious movement of chromosomes, bridges, fragments and micronuclei etc. Multivalent association of chromosomes is due to reciprocal translocation in the chromosomes while bridges, laggards and precocious movement are attributed to the paracentric inversion, failure of chiasmata formation in the pairs and discrepancies is the spindle formation respectively. Chromosomal breakage is due to change in molecular constitutes of chromosomes whereas stickiness is result of depolymerisation of nucleic acid caused by mutagen.

Keywords: EMS, DES, Meiotic aberration, Chilli