Effects of time and concentration of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) on chia (Salvia hispanica L.)

This experiment was conducted to determine concentration and time of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) that will be used as the EMS mutagen of chia (Salvia hispanica L.). Chia is predominantly self-pollinated and has low genetic variability. Breeding using standard methods is difficult and takes a long time to select. Mutation induced by EMS is another method used to create genetic variability. Experimental design used in this research was 5×4 factorial experiments in RCBD. Factor A was five levels of the concentration, 0, 0.2, 0.4, 0.8, and 1.6%. Factor B was four levels of exposure duration 3, 6, 9, and 12 h; after that, the germinated seedling will be evaluated at day 10. The graph was plotted in order to examine the relationship between the concentration and duration of the EMS dosage which results in 50% reduction in the seedling. The results showed that germination percentages of those seeds soaked in 0.37% EMS for 12 h and 0.76% EMS for 9 h were 50% decreased. On the other hand, 3 and 6 h at the highest concentration (1.6%), the germination percentage decreased by 10 and 27%, respectively. Therefore, EMS solution should be used in the concentration of 0.37-0.76% by volume, using a time of 9-12 h to induce chia mutation.