Induction of genetic variability on the bioactive content of yellow pepper using gamma irradiation

Abstract

Hunger affects more than 2 billion people globally. Therefore, there is the need to improve plant species in order to increase yield and mineral contents especially β-carotene. This study was aimed at sourcing for new favourable genetic variations in the M1 generation that could be exploited in biochemical traits. Mutation was induced in Nsukka Yellow Pepper using varied doses of gamma irradiation (50, 100, 150 and 200 Gy) from ⁶⁰Co source in the Gamma Irradiation Facility, Nuclear Technology Centre, Sheda Science and Technology Complex, Abuja. The seeds were evaluated in the field during the 2016 planting season using the Completely Randomised Design in the Botanical Garden of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka. Increase in vitamin C, total carotenoid and capsaicin content were observed in fruits of the treated plants when compared with the control. The β-carotene (6.24 ± 0.06 mg/L) and iron content (5.08 ± 0.0 7 mg/L) were higher in fruits of the genotype exposed to 50 Gy. Flavonoid content was observed to decrease in fruits exposed to 50 and 150 Gy. There was reduction in the phytate content across most of the treatments when compared to the control. Gamma irradiation dosage of 50 – 200 Gy could be exploited in the induction of variability relevant for the improvement of biochemical traits in the pepper.