The Mutagenic Effect of Ethyl Methane Sulphonate Alone and in Combination with Copper on Wheat

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Abstract
The effect of ethyl methane sulphonate alone and in combination with copper on chromosomal aberrations and seedling growth in wheat was studied. It was found that 1.5% concentration of ethyl methane sulphonate was capable of inducing chromosome breaks in the root tips of wheat seedlings to the extent of 20%. This mutagenic activity of the chemical increased to 36% and 47% when applied in combination with Cu 10–3mM and Cu 10–3M respectively. It was observed that copper acts as a stimulant to the seedling growth whereas ethyl methane sulphonate inhibits growth by inducing chromosomal aberrations. But when both substances are tried in combination, the seedling growth is inhibited due to the increased chromosome breaking activity of ethyl methane sulphonate. From these results it is suggested that ethyl methane sulphonate may become more effective in inducing chromosomal aberrations when growth is stimulated.