Komarova I. Trait variability of a spring false flax and creation of the source material by a method of chemical mutagenesis

Object of research: induction of spring false flax material chosen for selection by chemical mutagenesis and isolation of collection samples which demonstrate stable agriculturally valuable traits. Purpose of research: to establish variability of spring false flax and evaluate effectiveness of the species’ induction by chemical mutagenesis by ethylmethane sulphonate, as well as to obtain, based on the above, new material for selection. Methods used: chemical mutagenesis; methods of tracking and selecting visible mutations; field, laboratory, statistical. Results: through induction by chemical mutagenesis, lines demonstrating high measures on agriculturally valuable characteristics and lines carrying marker characteristics were created. By direct selection after mutagenesis, new varieties of spring false flax with distinctive marker characteristics were created. These varieties were named Prestige and Zeus and recorded in the State Registry of Plant Varieties. Optimal concentrations of mutagen ethylmethane sulphonate (0,01-0,1%) were established for treatment of seeds of spring false flax in order to obtain promising mutants. Samples with high content of certain fatty acids, high yield and high oil content were obtained. Novelty: discovery of consistent pattern of demonstration and variability of morphological, biochemical and agriculturally valuable characteristics of spring false flax samples originated from different regions. Correlation between morphological features and agriculturally valuable characteristic was established, which is beneficial for selections. Patterns of variability of certain fatty acids’ content in false flax seeds were demonstrated. For the first time, effectiveness of chemical mutagenesis in obtaining new material for selection of spring false flax was established. Industry: agriculture.