Plant Genetic and Mutation Studies
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Abstract
Abstract
Abstract Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is widely used in mutation breeding to generate genetic variability; however, its effects on agronomic performance and cytological stability require careful optimization. This study evaluated the impact of EMS on four barley ( Hordeum vulgare L.) advanced breeding lines under greenhouse conditions. Seeds were treated with three EMS concentrations (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.3%), along with untreated control, and assessed for agronomic and cytological traits. EMS treatment induced significant, dose-dependent changes in plant performance. Germination, seedling vigor, plant height, and 100-grain weight declined by approximately 20–50% with increasing EMS concentration. In contrast, total tiller number increased, although fertile tiller number did not increase proportionally, indicating a greater proportion of infertile tillers at higher EMS concentrations. Moderate EMS treatment (0.2%) improved grain number per spike while maintaining relatively stable grain weight, whereas higher concentration (0.3%) resulted in reduced plant performance and increased frequency of unfilled grains. Cytological analysis revealed a progressive increase in chromosomal aberrations, including chromosome stickiness, bridges, and laggards, with increasing EMS concentration. The chromosomal aberration index increased markedly (up to ~ 2-fold at 0.3% EMS), while the mitotic index declined, indicating enhanced genotoxic stress at higher doses. Overall, EMS proved to be an effective tool for inducing genetic variability in barley; however, its efficiency depends on dose optimization. Among the tested EMS concentrations, 0.2% EMS was associated with a comparatively favorable balance between agronomic performance and cytological stability. While higher EMS concentration (0.3%) increased chromosomal aberrations and reduced plant performance, the intermediate concentration maintained agronomic variability with comparatively lower cytogenetic disruption. These findings support the use of EMS-induced variability in barley breeding programs and contribute to sustainable crop improvement strategies aligned with global food security goals.
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@article{Arminian2026Impact,
title = {Impact of ethyl methane sulfonate on agronomic performance and chromosomal aberrations in Hordeum vulgare L},
author = {Ali Arminian and Maasoomeh Ahmadi and Bahman Fazeli-Nasab and Andrea Mastinu},
journal = {Vegetos},
year = {2026},
doi = {10.1007/s42535-026-01852-y},
url = {https://doi.org/10.1007/s42535-026-01852-y}
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