Effect of Different Mutagens on Some Mineral, Phytochemical and Proximate Composition of Two Red Pepper Varieties

Abstract

Aim: This research was designed to evaluate the effects of different levels of three mutagens on two pepper varieties with a vision of choosing mutants with high values in biochemical contents that may possibly be valuable in breeding improved varieties of the plant. Methods: Seeds of pepper were exposed to varying doses of gamma rays 60 Co (50, 100, 150, and 200Gy), X-ray doses (40, 60, 80, and 100KV) and sodium azide (0.01, 0.02, 0.03 and 0.04%). The treated seeds and the controls were grown in the Botanic Garden of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka using a Completely Randomized Design. Results: The result showed that vitamin C and β-carotene ranged from 5.89 -26.88 and 2.62 -11.35 mg/100 g, Fe and Ca (14.70 and 13.78 mg/100 g) were highest in Shombo at 100Gy. Values ranging from 0.36-2.00 and 3.96 -18.82 mg/100 g were recorded for flavonoid and alkaloid content across all treatment combinations. The result also revealed that at 100Kv and 150Gy, ash Abu et al.; ARRB, 33(2): 1-13, 2019; Article no.ARRB.51702 2 content increased in both varieties. The highest protein concentration of 9.57% was recorded at 100Kv of X-ray in Shombo and 6.96% at 150Gy of gamma irradiation in Tatase variety. Principal component analysis explained extracted five principal axis which accounted for the variability of 72.54%. Conclusion: This study reveals that biochemical content in pepper could be improved with exposure to mutagens especially gamma irradiation. Original Research Article