Induction and assessment of colchicine induced variability in karonda

Karonda (Carissa carandas L.) is a native fruit known for its nutrition, medicinal benefits and diversified uses. Despite its multiple uses, it exhibits a narrow genetic base. Since genetic variability is a prerequisite for any effective crop improvement programme, the present study was conducted to induce variation in this crop. Seeds of Karonda cv. Pant Manohar was treated with different doses of colchicine, ranging from 0.1%-0.9% along with a control. The experiment was conducted using a randomised block design (RBD), with each treatment replicated thrice. The main objective of the current study was to assess the ability of colchicine to induce variation in karonda. Plants showing some variations were selected for further biochemical analysis to check the effectiveness of colchicine in creating variation. Variants were evaluated against the control ones for leaf chlorophyll content, total carotenoid content and relative water content (RWC) in the leaves. The results showed dose-independent variations among the treatments. Whereas, C5 (0.5%) exhibited maximum chlorophyll and carotenoid content, while maximum RWC was recorded in C2 (0.2%). Morphological variations were also observed in treated population. These findings may be further utilized in future crop improvement programmes aimed at variability creation, and genetic improvement in karonda.