Dimethyl sulphate

The creation of genetic variability through the use of chemical mutagenic factors which increase the frequency of in vitro mutations to okra is not very frequently mentioned in scientific literature. This is why we have undertaken this study on the assessment of the in vitro regeneration in okra subject to the action of two chemical mutagens: Diethyl sulphate and Dimethyl sulphate. With a 0.1 ppm concentration, Diethyl sulphate had a low stimulative effect on the regeneration of okra in vitro, while this mutagen inhibited in vitro regeneration to some extent for 0.2 ppm and 2 ppm concentrations. On the other hand, the chemical mutagen Dimethyl sulphate resulted in an obvious decrease in the percentage of regenerated neoplantlet for all the three concentrations, but for the 2 ppm concentration in particular, and this negative effect was also seen in the case of the multiplication rate, through subculture. Moreover, the strongly mutagenic action of Dimethyl sulphate was also suggested by the appearance of a larger number of chromosome aberrations in the meristematic tissues of okra grown in vitro under the influence of this chemical mutagen, compared to Diethyl sulphate. Thus, in the case of okra culture in vitro, Dimethyl sulphate is a stronger mutagen compared to Diethyl sulphate and, hence, this one can be used to induce mutagenicity to okra, and any mutations may be speculated for the modern and quick improvement of this significant species, both at a nutritional and therapeutic level.