Retention of Mutations in Colchicine-Induced Ornamental Succulent Echeveria ‘Peerless’

Abstract

Mutation breeding has produced promising results, with exceptional attributes including pest/disease and environmental tolerance and desirable ornamental traits. Among the tools used in mutation breeding, chemical mutation is the most inexpensive way to develop novel plants. Succulents have gained popularity with high market demand because they require minimal watering and have plastic-like visuals. Ornamental succulents with rare leaf morphologies are costly. An LD50 study was conducted beforehand to determine the survival rates of colchicine-treated Echeveria ‘Peerless’. Mutants in the first generation (MV1) were identified and analyzed. Determining whether mutagenic characteristics are carried to the subsequent generation (MV2) is a key component in breeding programs. Additional investigation was performed by producing MV2 plants through vegetative propagation to determine mutagenic retention. For MV2, mutants exhibited shortened leaves, increased leaf width and thickness, and fewer leaves, which significantly differed from the control, indicating compactness, wider leaf apex, and varying leaf color. To confirm the mutations, stomatal analysis was conducted, wherein there was a decrease in density and an increase in stomatal size. Likewise, chromosome counting and flow cytometry analysis confirmed the induction of polyploidization. Colchicine induction to develop new cultivars with novel phenotypic and cytogenetic characters is suitable for ornamental succulents.