Assessment of Induced Polyploidy in Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.66432/ngh3ze66Keywords:
Induced polyploidy, Chromosome doubling, Colchicine, Identification, CharaterizationAbstract
Watermelon (Citrullus lanatus L.), a diploid fruit crop with 2n=22 chromosomes, is valued for its sweetness and health benefits. Originating from South Africa, it belongs to the Cucurbitaceae family. Globally, annual production reaches about 117 million tons. Recently, seedless watermelons, derived from crossing tetraploid (4n=44) and diploid (2n=22) plants to produce triploid (3n=33) cultivars, have gained popularity over seeded types due to the inconvenience caused by seeds. In Pakistan, limited genetic studies on watermelon hinder breeding efforts. This research focused on developing methods to induce and identify polyploidy in watermelon using colchicine, an anti-mitotic agent, to produce tetraploids for seedless watermelon breeding. Two treatment methods were employed: seeds were soaked in colchicine solutions at 0.15% and 0.20% for 20 hours, and sprouts were soaked at the same concentrations for 30 minutes over two consecutive days. Results showed that colchicine treatments significantly affect plant growth. Treated plants had reduced height and leaf number but increased stem diameter. Leaves appeared darker, rougher, and thicker, with higher chlorophyll content correlating with the darker green color. The emergence of the first true leaf was delayed compared to controls. Pollen from treated plants had an increased diameter but decreased fertility. Additionally, stomatal length and width increased, while density decreased, indicating tetraploidy. An increase in the number of chloroplasts per guard cell was also observed. These morphological and anatomical changes confirm successful induction of polyploidy. Seed soaking with colchicine at 0.15% and 0.20% was particularly effective in developing tetraploid lines, which are valuable for seedless watermelon breeding programs.
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