Primary Study on Mutation Effect in Taproots of Radish Cultivar “Huangzhou” by Ethylmethylsulfone (EMS)

Mutation breeding by Ethylmethylsulfone (EMS) has several advantages: high mutation ratio, many mutated phenotypes and low destruction which has been widely applied for crop breeding. We traced to uncover the mutagenic effect of EMS to Huangzhou radish by observation on germination ratio, root length and agronomic traits in field after soaking radish seeds by different concentration of EMS. In aspect of low germination ratio and short root length, the growth of radish is inhibited as the increasing concentration of EMS (from 0.2% to 2%) which indicates the inhibited effect of EMS to “Huangzhou” radish. Furthermore, the suitable concentration of EMS for “Huangzhou” radish is 0.4% - 0.8% according to the selection criteria of 50% lethal concentration. The field traits are recorded after the seed of “Huangzhou” treated by 0.5% EMS. Some agronomic traits on treated group were found including thickened taproots by compared with CK.