Effect of different concentrations of ethylmethanesulfonate (ems) on seeds and seedlings
of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. Ex Lam.), teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) and melina
(Gmelina arborea Roxb.) at nursery stage
Efecto de diferentes concentraciones de etilmetanosulfonato (ems) en semillas y plántulas de balsa
(Ochroma pyramidale Cav. Ex Lam.), teca (Tectona grandis L.f.) y melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) en
etapa de vivero
Priscila Bautista Zambrano
Master's Degree, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo
(UTEQ), Quevedo, Los Ríos, Ecuador
pbautista@uteq.edu.ec https://orcid.org/0000-0002-2499-
5036
Antonino Márquez Roa
Master's Degree, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo
(UTEQ), Quevedo, Los Ríos, Ecuador
amarquez@uteq.edu.ec https://orcid.org/0000-0001-7132-
1870
Victor Fuentes Paramo
Master's Degree, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo
(UTEQ), Quevedo, Los Ríos, Ecuador
vfuentes@uteq.edu.ec https://orcid.org/0000-0003-0249-
5003
Camilo Mestanza Uquillas
Master, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo-(UTEQ),
Quevedo, Los Ríos, Ecuador , cmestanza@uteq.edu.ec,
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-9299-170X
Diana Veliz Zamora
Master, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (UTEQ),
Quevedo, Los Ríos, Ecuador dveliz@uteq.edu.ec
https://orcid.org/0000-0003-2039-8741,
John Pinargote Alava
Master, Universidad Técnica Estatal de Quevedo (UTEQ),
Quevedo, Los Ríos, Ecuador jpinargote@uteq.edu.ec
https://orcid.org/0000-0002-8065-5124,
Marcelino Guachambala Cando
2Company 3ª Composites, Research and Development
Department, Quevedo, Ecuador.
Marcelino.guachambala@hotmail.com
https://orcid.org/0000-0001-6816-5715
pbautista@uteq.edu.ec
Abstract
The absence of genetic improvement in forest species of
commercial interest such as balsa (Ochroma pyramidale
Cav. ex Lam.), teak (Tectona grandis L.f) and melina
(Gmelina arborea Roxb.), widely cultivated in
Ecuadorian territory, can be attributed in large part to the
scarce implementation of innovative techniques such as
mutagenesis induction, which can generate a series of
morphological changes and physiological benefits to
improve agronomic performance. In the absence of
mutagenic protocols of proven efficacy in these species,
the present research sought to evaluate the effect of the
application of different concentrations of the mutagen
ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS) on the growth of balsa,
teak and melina seedlings in the nursery stage, which has
been successfully tested in different plant species, by
means of three independent trials. The experimental part
was carried out in the greenhouses of the company
Plantabal S.A., located at Km 4.5 of the Quevedo -
Valencia road, province of Los Ríos. A completely
randomized design was used in each trial, with four
treatments (T1: 0.0% EMS, T2: 0.3% EMS, T3: 0.6%
EMS, T4: 1.0% EMS) and five replications.
Key words: Forest species, genetic improvement,
mutagenic, EMS, morphological changes.
http://centrosuragraria.com/index.php/revista, Published by: Edwards Deming
Institute, Quito - Ecuador, July - September vol. 1. Num. 9 2021, This work is
licensed under a Creative Commons License, Attribution-NonCommercial-
ShareAlike 4.0 International. https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-
sa/4.0/deed.es
Received March 22, 2020
Approved: October 27, 2020
Bautista et al.
July - September vol. 1. Num. 9 2021
61
Abstract
Resumen
La ausencia de mejoramiento genético en especies forestales de interés comercial como la balsa
(Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.), la teca (Tectona grandis L.f) y la melina (Gmelina arborea
Roxb.), ampliamente cultivadas en territorio ecuatoriano, se puede atribuir en gran parte a la escaza
implementación de técnicas innovadoras como la inducción de mutagénesis, misma que puede llegar a
generar una serie de cambios morfológicos y beneficios fisiológicos que permitan mejorar el
comportamiento agronómico. Ante la ausencia de protocolos mutagénicos de eficacia comprobada en
dichas especies, la presente investigación buscó evaluar mediante tres ensayos independientes el efecto
de la aplicación de distintas concentraciones del mutágeno etilmetanosulfonato (EMS) sobre el
crecimiento de plántulas de balsa, teca y melina en etapa de vivero, el cual ha sido probado con éxito
en distintas especies vegetales. La parte experimental se llevó a cabo en los invernaderos de la empresa
Plantabal S.A., ubicada en el Km 4.5 de la vía Quevedo – Valencia, provincia de Los Ríos. Para ello,
en cada ensayo se empleó un diseño completamente al azar, con cuatro tratamientos (T1: 0.0% EMS,
T2: 0.3% EMS, T3: 0.6% EMS, T4: 1.0% EMS) y cinco repeticiones.
Palabras clave: Especies forestales, mejoramiento genético, mutagénico, EMS, cambios morfológicos
Introduction
Ecuador is home to approximately 5000 tree species, which are scattered over a preferentially
forested area of about 14.4 million hectares, i.e. more than 50% of the national territory
Machmudah et al. (2020). The diversity is so high that in certain areas of the rainforest, more
than 200 trees per hectare have been recorded. The National Forestry Directorate has identified
362 species, of which 91 are commercial, and of which native species such as balsa (Ochroma
pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.) and exotic species such as teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) and melina
(Gmelina arborea Roxb.) could be highlighted. (Warner et al. 2016, p. 34).
According to the natural distribution in Ecuador, balsa predominates in tropical zones in the
western and eastern regions and in the foothills of the Andes Mountains Koirala et al. (2021).
Teak plantations are present in coastal provinces such as: Los Ríos, Guayas, Esmeraldas,
Manabí, and El Oro Ramirez-Gomez et al. (2015). Melina is mostly established in provinces
such as Santo Domingo de los Tsáchilas, Esmeraldas, Los Ríos, northwestern Pichincha, part
of the provinces of El Oro and Guayas, and certain Amazonian provinces, where most of the
planted area is concentrated (Carvalho-Sobrinho et al. 2016, p. 98).
In view of the above, the importance of these species as a source of economic, social and
environmental sustenance throughout the national territory is evident Machmudah et al. (2020);
Sears et al. (2018). However, in general terms, it is important to highlight that in many cases,
these, as well as other species of interest, have not been efficiently exploited despite being an
important part of one of the productive sectors with the greatest potential for development and
growth Ferraz et al. (2013). This is due to the existence of a series of factors that affect their
production, among which we could highlight the lack of quality of the seedlings obtained
during the nursery stage, making it impossible later on to develop vigorous and profitable crops
from the perspective of the producer (Ghosh et al. 2021, p. 54).
This biological limitation leads to joint efforts to generate alternatives that allow directing
actions that enhance and promote the planting of these crops Panyamang et al. (2018), which
could become possible if genetic improvement programs are projected, which contribute to
increase their yields and resistance to adverse factors Warner et al. (2016) through the
establishment of different alternatives and protocols to obtain genetic material with the best
possible characteristics (Ghosh et al. 2021, p. 30), so the use of mutagenic agents through
induced mutagenesis could be a way to achieve these goals. The use of mutagens in agriculture,
such as ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS), has played a key role in this regard Benjavad et al.
(2012) and has been reflected in a number of studies on different plant organisms, including
microalgae.
For this reason, the present study sought to evaluate the effect of different doses of EMS on
seeds and seedlings of balsa, teak and melina during the nursery stage, in order to determine
its effectiveness in the production of plants with elite characteristics, which will allow greater
productivity and a better benefit/cost ratio for the producer in the future.
Materials and methods
The research was carried out at the Plantabal S.A. industrial complex, whose facilities are
located at kilometer 4.5 of the Quevedo-Valencia road, whose geographical coordinates are 0°
59' 19" south latitude and 79° 26' 28" longitude, at 60 meters above sea level and under the
following climatic conditions: average temperature of 26.5 ºC, relative humidity of 80% and
an annual rainfall of 2162 mm. The experiment consisted of three independent trials, which
were carried out under a completely randomized design (CRD), consisting of four treatments
and five replications, giving a total of 20 experimental units per forest species (Table 1). To
determine the difference between averages, Tukey's multiple range test was used at 95%
probability. Data tabulation was carried out in Excel 2016 and statistical analysis was
performed using the free software Infostat version 2019. Additionally, the correlation between
germination percentage and EMS concentrations was established.
Table 1. Characteristics of the treatments.
Trat
Species+EMS
concentration
Repetitions
EU/Seeds
No Seed/Treat
Balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.)
1
Balsa + 0.0 % EMS
5
1000
Balsa + 0.3 % EMS
5
1000
Balsa + 0.6 % EMS
5
1000
Balsa + 1.0 % EMS
5
1000
Teak (Tectona grandis L.f.)
1
Teak + 0.0 % EMS
5
1000
Teak + 0.3 % EMS
5
1000
Teak + 0.6 % EMS
5
1000
Bautista et al.
July - September vol. 1. Num. 9 2021
63
Teak + 1.0 % EMS
5
1000
Melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.)
1
Melina + 0.0 % EMS
5
1000
Melina + 0.3 % EMS
5
1000
Melina + 0.6 % EMS
5
1000
Melina + 1.0 % EMS
5
1000
Total
12000
Trat: Treatments; TUE: Experimental Unit Size
Prior to sowing the balsa, teak and melina seeds, a water test was carried out, in which only the
fertile seeds were selected and those floating (empty) seeds were discarded. Once
homogenized, ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS) was applied to the seeds. For this, it was
necessary to mix the mutagen with water to expose the seeds for a period of 8 hours, using the
following concentrations: 0.0%, 0.3%, 0.6% and 1.0%. Subsequently, 200 units per replicate
were sown, giving a total of 1000 seeds per treatment. Finally, data collection concerning the
variables under study was carried out by direct observation.
The number of germinated plants per experimental unit was recorded 15 days after sowing. To
establish the data in percentages, it was necessary to use the following formulation (Warner,
Jamroenprucksa, and Puangchit 2017)
𝑃𝐺 = 𝑁𝑆𝐺/𝑁𝑆𝑆𝑥100
Where:
PG: Germination percentage
NSG: Number of germinated seeds
NSS: Number of seeds sown
Seedling mortality was determined 45 days after planting, counting the total number of dead
seedlings up to that date in each experimental unit, using the following formula:
𝑃𝑀 =
𝑁𝑃𝑀
𝑁𝑃𝑇
∗ 100
Where:
PM: Mortality percentage
NPM: Number of dead plants
NPT: Number of total plants
Plant height was recorded at 30 and 45 days after planting (dps) for balsa and at 30 and 60 dps
for teak and melina. This parameter was considered from the soil surface to the terminal apex
of the plant. A sample of 20 plants per experimental unit was randomly selected and measured
with a ruler graduated in centimeters.
Stem diameter was recorded at 30 and 45 days after planting (dps) for balsa and at 30 and 60
dps for teak and melina. This parameter was measured at a height of 1 cm above the soil. A
sample of 20 plants was selected at random per experimental unit and measured with a caliper.
Plant growth was determined by the difference achieved between the height records at 30 days
after planting (dps) and 45 or 60 dps depending on the species. Stem thickening data were
obtained from the difference between the values recorded for diameter at 30 days after planting
(dps) and that reached at 45 or 60 dps, depending on the species. To determine the degree of
relationship between germination percentage and ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS)
concentrations, a coefficient of determination called R2 was used.
Result
According to the analysis of variance, significant statistical differences were found between
treatments in each of the three trials (p≤0.05). In the case of the balsa, it was determined that
the statistically different treatments were T1 and T2, which obtained 75.90 and 67.90%
germination respectively, followed by T3 with 58.70 and finally T4 with 49.80%. Regarding
the germination percentage of teak seeds, the treatment that was statistically different was T2
with 67.81%, while T1, T3 and T4 registered similar values with 49.86, 49.78 and 46.43%,
respectively. Finally, in the case of melina, it was found that T4 registered a mean different
from that obtained by the other treatments with a germination percentage of 89.10%, followed
by T2 and T3 with 86.65 and 85.79%, respectively, while T4 was distantly located with 53.86%
(Table 2).
Table 2.Seed germination percentage of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.), teak
(Tectona grandis L.f.) and melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) in response to the application of
different doses of Ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS).
Treatments
Germination percentage
Raft
Teak
Melina
T1: 0.0% EMS (control)
75.90 a
50.14 b
89.10 a
T2: 0.3% EMS
67.90 a
67.81 a
86.65 b
T3: 0.6% EMS
58.70 b
50.22 b
85.79 b
T4: 1.0% EMS
49.80 c
53.57 b
53.86 c
Average
63.08
55.43
78.85
C.V. (%)
7.29
8.60
1.08
Bautista et al.
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65
Means in each column with equal letters do not differ statistically (Tukey p≤0.05).
This agrees with the results obtained, who induced phenotypic variations in Phaseolus vulgaris
L. cv. 'DOR 364' and observed that, with the increase of EMS concentration, the germination
percentage of treated seeds decreased. This trend was observed both in evaluations at 7 and 14
days of the study, so that when the concentration of EMS applied was from 20 to 60%, the
number of germinated seeds decreased by 81.30 to 99.19% at 7 days, and from 36.29 to 96.77%
at 14 days, respectively.
As described, the germination percentage has been a decisive variable in determining the
optimum concentration of EMS to establish mutant populations. As the concentration of EMS
increases, the germination percentage is drastically affected, even causing dilation of the
germination stage, in many cases resulting in the death of the embryo.
With respect to the mortality variable, statistical differences were found in each of the trials
(balsa, teak and melina) (p≤0.05). In the case of balsa, the treatments that had a greater
distinction in relation to the averages obtained by the others were T1 and T2 with values of
24.10 and 32.10% respectively, followed by T3 with 41.30 and T4 with 50.20%. Regarding the
teak trial, T2 (32.19%) was statistically different from the rest of the treatments (T1, T3 and
T4). Finally, in the case of melina, T1 was the most distinct treatment with 10.90%, followed
by T2 and T3 with 13.35 and 14.21%, while T4 was even more distant with a mortality rate of
46.14% (Table 3).
Table 3. Percentage mortality of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.), teak (Tectona
grandis L.f.) and melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) seedlings in response to the application of
different doses of Ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS).
Means in each column with equal letters do not differ statistically (Tukey (P>0.05).
Treatments
Mortality rate
Raft
Teak
Melina
T1: 0.0% EMS (control)
24.10 c
49.86 a
10.90 c
T2: 0.3% EMS
32.10 c
32.19 b
13.35 b
T3: 0.6% EMS
41.30 b
49.78 a
14.21 b
T4: 1.0% EMS
50.20 a
46.43 a
46.14 a
Average
36.93
44.57
21.15
C.V. (%)
12.45
10.69
4.02
In retrospect to the previous variable, it could be indicated that the percentage of mortality was
also inversely proportional to the levels of EMS, both in balsa and melina seeds, maintaining
positive records in teak seeds exposed to a concentration of 0.3% EMS; however, at higher
levels of the mutagen, mortality gradually increased.
Seventy percent of bell pepper (Caspicum annuum) plants survived at relatively low
concentrations between 0.75 and 0.50 % EMS, with the opposite naturally occurring with
increasing dosage.
Taking into account the analysis of variance, it was possible to determine that in the variable
height at 30 days there were significant differences between treatments in only one of the three
trials carried out. Both teak and melina registered statistically similar values (P>0.05), while in
the case of the balsa, treatments T1, T2 and T3 with values of 2.30, 2.25 and 1.97 cm,
respectively, were statistically different (P≤0.05) compared to T4, which reached a value of
1.21 cm.
Table 4. Plant height at 30 days in seedlings of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.),
teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) and melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) in response to the application
of different doses of Ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS).
Averages in each column with equal letters do not differ statistically (Tukey (P>0.05).
Regarding the second data collection of this variable, which in the case of the trial developed
in balsa was at 45 days and in both teak and melina at 60 days. It was found that there were no
statistically different differences in balsa and melina (P>0.05). The opposite was the case with
teak seedlings, where T2 (17.13 cm) obtained a statistically different average (P≤0.05) than T1
(14.15 cm) and T4 (12.70 cm) (Table 5).
Treatments
Plant height (30 days)
Raft
Teak
Melina
T1: 0.0% EMS (control)
2.30 a
5.52 a
23.92 a
T2: 0.3% EMS
2.25 a
5.98 a
22.83 a
T3: 0.6% EMS
1.97 a
5.68 a
23.01 a
T4: 1.0% EMS
1.21 b
5.07 a
19.95 a
Average
1.93
5.56
22.43
C.V. (%)
20.63
9.90
11.15
Bautista et al.
July - September vol. 1. Num. 9 2021
67
Table 5. Plant height at 45 days in balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.) seedlings and
at 60 days in teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) and melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) seedlings in
response to the application of different doses of Ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS).
Means in each column with equal letters do not differ statistically (Tukey (P>0.05).
As for the variable stem diameter and according to the analysis of variance, it was determined
that 30 days after planting, there were no significant statistical differences between the
treatments that make up the teak and melina trials (P>0.05). On the contrary, it happened in the
balsa seedling trial, where the treatment that showed statistical differences was T4 with 2.26
mm (P≤0.05).
Table 6. Stem diameter at 30 days in seedlings of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.),
teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) and melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) in response to the application
of different doses of Ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS).
Treatments
Plant height (45-60 days)
Raft
Teak
Melina
T1: 0.0% EMS (control)
10.50 a
14.15 b
40.50 a
T2: 0.3% EMS
11.13 a
17.13 a
41.80 a
T3: 0.6% EMS
10.62 a
14.60 ab
44.35 a
T4: 1.0% EMS
8.58 a
12.70 b
39.45 a
Average
10.21
14.64
41.53
C.V. (%)
48.06
11.18
10.16
Treatments
Stem diameter (30 days)
Raft
Teak
Melina
T1: 0.0% EMS (control)
2.97 a
1.90 a
1.90 a
T2: 0.3% EMS
3.16 a
1.80 a
2.00 a
T3: 0.6% EMS
2.85 a
1.70 a
1.80 a
T4: 1.0% EMS
2.26 b
1.60 a
1.65 a
Average
2.81
1.75
1.84
C.V. (%)
8.21
9.90
10.32
Averages in each column with equal letters do not differ statistically (Tukey (P>0.05). The
trend was maintained during the second data collection, where, as in the 30-day sampling, the
tests carried out on teak and melina showed no statistically significant differences between
treatments (P>0.05). While in the case of balsa, it could be evidenced that the statistically
different treatment was T2 with a record of 11.92 mm (P≤0.05), followed by T1, T3 and T4
with 3.91, 3.69 and 3.22 mm respectively.
Table 7. Stem diameter at 45 days in balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.) seedlings and
at 60 days in teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) and melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) seedlings in
response to the application of different doses of Ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS).
Means in each column with equal letters do not differ statistically (Tukey (P>0.05). EMS has
punctual effects showing genetic lesions induced according to the concentrations and the time
that the seeds of a given species are exposed. Such is the case that, in the values obtained for
this variable, a not so defined relationship was shown in teak and melina seedlings, where no
decrease was evidenced with higher levels of EMS, but this did occur in the case of balsa,
where although 0.3% EMS notably surpassed the averages obtained in the other treatments, in
treatments such as T3 (0.6% EMS) and T4 (1.0% EMS), shorter diameters were shown in
relation to the control.
Regarding plant growth, it was possible to determine that in the trial developed with balsa and
melina seedlings, there were no statistical differences between the treatments (P>0.05). The
opposite occurred in the trial developed with teak seedlings, where T2 was statistically different
with a record of 11.15 cm (P≤0.05), followed by T1 with 8.92 and T3 with 8.63 cm, and finally,
T4 with 7.63 cm (Table 8).
Treatments
Stem diameter (45-60 days)
Raft
Teak
Melina
T1: 0.0% EMS (control)
3.91 ab
2.47 a
2.70 a
T2: 0.3% EMS
11.92 a
2.50 a
2.50 a
T3: 0.6% EMS
3.69 bc
2.60 a
2.85 a
T4: 1.0% EMS
3.22 c
2.55 a
2.45 a
Average
5.69
2.53
2.63
C.V. (%)
7.15
11.97
10.86
Bautista et al.
July - September vol. 1. Num. 9 2021
69
Table 8. Growth of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.), teak (Tectona grandis L.f.) and
melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) plants in response to the application of different doses of
Ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS).
Means in
each
column
with
equal
letters do not differ statistically (Tukey (P>0.05).
Finally, with regard to the variable stem thickening and taking into account the ANOVA, it
was found that there were no significant statistical differences in the treatments present in each
of the trials evaluated (balsa, teak and melina) (P>0.05). This would indicate that the influence
of the different doses of EMS was null in each of the case studies (Table 9).
Table 9. Stem thickening of balsa (Ochroma pyramidale Cav. ex Lam.), teak (Tectona
grandis L.f.) and melina (Gmelina arborea Roxb.) plants in response to the application of
different doses of Ethylmethanesulfonate (EMS).
Means in
each
column
with
equal
letters do
not differ
statistically (Tukey (P>0.05). In any case, it is important to point out that the mutagenic effect
is caused randomly on the plants and the value of the mutations in different variables such as
stem thickening will depend on the changes produced in the morphology and physiology of the
plants and that these have a favorable impact on yield and quality in the long term.
Treatments
Plant growth
Raft
Teak
Melina
T1: 0.0% EMS (control)
8.21 a
8.63 ab
16.59 a
T2: 0.3% EMS
8.88 a
11.15 a
18.98 a
T3: 0.6% EMS
8.64 a
8.92 ab
21.34 a
T4: 1.0% EMS
7.37 a
7.63 b
19.50 a
Average
8.27
9.08
19.10
C.V. (%)
60.59
20.91
26.22
Treatments
Stem thickening
Raft
Teak
Melina
T1: 0.0% EMS (control)
9.40 a
0.57 ab
0.80 a
T2: 0.3% EMS
10.92 a
0.70 a
0.50 a
T3: 0.6% EMS
8.40 a
0.90 a
1.05 a
T4: 1.0% EMS
9.60 a
0.95 a
0.80 a
Average
9.58
0.78
0.79
C.V. (%)
35.10
46.02
45.18
In the trial developed with balsa seeds, a strong negative correlation was obtained between the
germination percentage variable and the EMS concentrations used with a correlation
coefficient of -0.99. This would suggest that increasing the concentration of EMS applied to
the seeds prior to sowing has a negative influence on seed germination (Figure 1).
Figure 1. Correlation between EMS concentrations and germination percentage (%) - Balsa
As for the test carried out on teak seeds, a slight negative correlation was recorded between the
germination percentage variable and the concentrations of EMS used, with a correlation
coefficient of -0.12. This would indicate that a high concentration of EMS would not
necessarily have a negative effect on the germination percentage of the seeds of this species
(Figure 2).
75,90
67,90
58,70
49,80
y = -26,397x + 75,614
R² = 0,9958
0,00
10,00
20,00
30,00
40,00
50,00
60,00
70,00
80,00
0,00 0,20 0,40 0,60 0,80 1,00
Percentage germination (%)
Concentrations of EMS (%)
Correlation between EMS concentrations x Germination
percentage (%) - Balsa
Bautista et al.
July - September vol. 1. Num. 9 2021
71
Figure 2. Correlation between EMS concentrations and germination percentage (%) - Teak.
Finally, in the test carried out on melina seeds, as in the balsa seeds, a strong correlation was
found between the germination percentage variable and the concentrations of EMS used, with
a correlation coefficient of -0.86. This suggests that the higher the concentration of EMS, the
lower the germination percentage of melina seeds (Figure 3).
50,14
67,81
50,22
53,57
y = -2.3406x + 56.547
R² = 0,0142
0,00
10,00
20,00
30,00
40,00
50,00
60,00
70,00
80,00
0,00 0,10 0,20 0,30 0,40 0,50 0,60 0,70 0,80 0,90 1,00
Germination percentage (%)
EMS concentrations (%)
Correlation between EMS concentrations x Germination
percentage (%) - Teca
Figure 23. Correlation between EMS concentrations and germination percentage (%) - Melina.
Conclusions
The absence of EMS was associated with a higher germination percentage in balsa and melina
seeds. Except in the case of teak seeds, whose best record was obtained with a concentration
of 0.3% of the mutagen EMS. The higher the concentration of EMS used, the higher the
mortality in balsa, teak and melina seedlings. Regardless of the concentration of EMS used, its
influence did not generate a positive phenotypic effect on teak and melina seedlings, precisely
in the increase of variables such as height and stem diameter. While in small concentrations
such as 0.3% EMS could notably improve these characteristics in balsa seedlings.
Financing
Seeds, facilities and laboratory were provided by Plantabal S.A., Quevedo - Los Ríos -
Ecuador.
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