Detection of Polymorphism in Ethyl Methyl Sulfonate Treated Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A.Chev. mutants using RAPD markers

Abstract

Cordyline fruticosa (L.) A. Chev. is an ornamental plant with significant horticultural value but limited genetic diversity, which constrains breeding for improved traits. This study aimed to generate and evaluate genetic and morphological variation in C. fruticosa using Ethyl Methyl Sulfonate (EMS) mutagenesis. In-vitro plantlets were exposed to EMS at concentrations of 1%, 2%, 3%, and 4%, for 10 minutes and their growth was monitored over nine weeks. Key morphological parameters, includingplant height, leaf number, and leaf pigmentation, were recorded to assess the impact of EMS treatment. Genomic DNA was extracted from treated and control plants, and genetic variation was evaluated using Random Amplified Polymorphic DNA (RAPD) markers. The results demonstrated that EMS induced concentration-dependent changes in plant morphology, with 1% EMS producing the greatest reduction in plant height and leaf number, as well as lighter leaf pigmentation. RAPD analysis revealed increasedgenetic polymorphism in EMS-treated groups compared to the control, with the highest level observed in the 1% EMS treatment. Cluster analysis further confirmed the genetic divergence between treated and control plants. These findings indicate that EMS mutagenesis, particularly at lower concentrations, is effective in generating both morphological and genetic diversity in C. fruticosa. The study provides a foundation for future breeding programs aiming to enhance the ornamental and adaptive traits of thisspecies through targeted mutation breeding.