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Mutagenesis is an important tool to create variability in crops where the hybridization is difficult.
However, the usefulness of any mutagenic agent depends on its ability to induce high frequency of
desirable changes as compared to undesirable ones. Hence, often it is necessary to assess the
effectiveness and efficacy of mutagens for efficient and effective use. In coriander, creating
variability through hybridization was difficult due to small flower size and compound umbel. Studies
on induced mutagenesis in coriander involving EMS and gamma rays are scanty. Mutagenic
effectiveness and efficiency of gamma rays and ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS) were estimated in
the genotype of coriander variety Swathi. The studies revealed that gamma rays were found to be
more effective in inducing mutations than ethyl methane sulphonate (EMS). However, with regard
to mutagenic efficiency EMS was more efficient than gamma rays. There was a progressive increase
in mutation frequency of chlorophyll mutations with the increase in gamma rays and EMS doses.
Synergistic effects were observed for increasing mutation frequency in M2 generation in
combination treatments of gamma rays with EMS. Both mutagenic effectiveness and efficiency were
found to be higher at higher doses of both the mutagens. However, trend was not observed in case of
efficiency measured based on injury. The possible reason for increase in mutagenic efficiency and
effectiveness with increase in dose may be due to lower dose of mutagens used in the present
investigation and less damaging effect of lower doses of chemicals on the genetic material.
Keywords: Coriander, EMS, Gamma rays, Variability, mutagenic efficiency, mutagenic effectiveness