Effect of Polyploidy Induction in Lettuce (<i>Lactuca sativa</i>) through Colchicine Treatment: Implications for inflorescence and flowering

Abstract

Lettuce holds significant economic importance as a staple food for a vast portion of the population worldwide. As a leafy vegetable, it is cultivated across various regions. This research aims to investigate the impact of polyploidy induction via colchicine treatment on the inflorescence and flowering traits of Lettuce (Lactuca sativa). Seed and seedling treatments were administered using five different concentrations of colchicine alongside a control group. Results revealed that lower concentrations of colchicine, particularly 0.1%, showed the most favorable response in lettuce, suggesting its potential utility in breeding programs. Regarding inflorescence and flowering traits, the study found that inflorescence in lettuce exhibited higher values at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.3% colchicine. This suggests that these concentrations may positively influence inflorescence development in lettuce plants. Additionally, inflorescence in Lettuce exhibited higher values at concentrations of 0.1% and 0.3%. The study recommends exercising caution in the use of colchicine for crop improvement endeavors.