Induction of genetic variation in Tarom mahalli and Hashemi rice varieties using ethyl methane sulfonate and assessment of induced variation through SSR markers

Background and objectives Mutational breeding is an effective tool for improvement of agronomic traits in crops. The purpose of this study, mutation induction in local rice varieties using chemical mutagen ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) to improve their agronomic traits and evaluating genetic variation at M2 generation. Materials and methods In this study the effect of EMS concentrations (0, 0.17, 0.35 and 0.51 percent) was studied on Tarom Mahalli and Tarom Hashemi local varieties. Superior genotypes were selected in M2 generation based on phenotypic status as well as their important agronomic traits were recorded. Results Evaluation of induced genetic variation was done using agronomic traits as well as 12 SSR (Simple Sequence Repeat) markers at phenotypic and molecular levels, respectively. The EMS effectively reduced significantly average of traits like plant height as well as non-filled grains and increased the mean values for 100-grain weight and panicle length. Mutant no. 13 (derived from Tarom mahalli) had superior agronomic characteristics like lower height (147 cm), more tiller number (37), panicle length (29.3 cm) and filled grains (158) in comparison with its control. Also, mutants no. 3 and 10 (derived from Tarom Hashemi) identified as superior lines and their height were 144 and 139 cm, respectively. Discussion Results of the study showed successful induction of genetic variation in mutant lines comparing with respective controls.