Induksi Mutasi Tanaman Cabai Merah (Capsicum Annuum L.) dengan Ethyl Methanesulfonate pada Berbagai Tingkat Waktu Perendaman

One way to increase genetic variation is through induced mutation using chemical mutagen. Ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) is a chemical compound that can cause mutations and commonly used in plant. In this study seeds of red chili were treated using EMS 1% through seed soaking. Seeds of red chili were soaked with EMS 1% in phosphate buffer pH 7 for 6, 9, 12 and 15 hours at room temperature. As control, seeds were soaked in phosphate buffer pH 7. This study aims to evaluate, physiological and reproductive characters of plants after treated with EMS. Experiment was conducted in an open field with 5 replicates for each treatment. Results showed that concentration of chlorophyll a, b and total chlorophyll increased in plants derived from seed treated with EMS 1% for 9 hours compared to control and other soaking periods. Soaking seeds with EMS 1% for 12 hours increased viability of pollen compared to control and other treatments. The first time of flowering occurred earlier at 6 and 9 hours soaking period.