RESPONSE OF HAPLOID AND DIPLOID PROTOPLASTS FROM DATURA-INNOXIA MILL AND PETUNIA-HYBRIDA L TO TREATMENT WITH X-RAYS AND A CHEMICAL MUTAGEN

Haploid and diploid protoplasts of the two Solanaceous species Datura innoxia Mill. and Petunia hybridia L. were exposed to two different mutagens, increased doses of X-rays, and N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG). With both species the survival rates of haploid protoplasts decreased exponentially with increased doses of X-rays and increased concentrations of MNNG. Diploid protoplasts showed a higher resistance than haploids only at higher mutagen doses or concentrations. After the MNNG-treatment of haploid protoplasts from Datura innoxia, four mutants with altered pigment patterns were isolated. © 1979.