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<p>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 (<i>Hordeum vulgare</i> 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.</p>

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Impact of ethyl methane sulfonate on agronomic performance and chromosomal aberrations in Hordeum vulgare L

  • 期刊论文

  • 出版模式：

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  • 发表日期：

    2026年7月14日

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  • Ali Arminian,
  • Maasoomeh Ahmadi,
  • Bahman Fazeli-Nasab,
  • Andrea Mastinu

摘要

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.