Effect of sodium azide on agro-morphological traits of four varieties of Kenaf (Hibiscus cannabinus)

Mutation induction and detection of desired mutants represents an accelerated means of reaching the desired superior Variety. In this work seeds of Kenaf varieties NG, HIB18, HIB24 and HIB42 collected from National Centre for Genetic Resources and Biotechnology (NAGRAB) Ibadan, Nigeria were subjected to mutagenesis using sodium azide at concentrations of 0.2%, 0.4%, and 0.6%. These treated seeds were planted in polythene bags in row of Four by Four columns in a completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications of each treatments. Data on germination percentage, plant height (cm), leaf number, fresh weight and dry weight were taken. Germination was found to be significantly higher in the control and decreased gradually with increasing mutagen concentration for all the four varieties. Among the treatments, NG at 0.6% SA showed better germination compared to other varieties of the same concentration. This indicated differential intervarietal response to the same dose of sodium azide under the same environmental condition. Analyses of data showed significant differences in all the varieties of Hibiscus cannabinus L. treated with sodium azide compared to control. Results indicate sodium azide improved yield performance of Kenaf. Also, negative effect of sodium azide was observed in plants height in variety NG. These finding suggests that plants Varieties would respond differently to mutagenic treatments of specific dosage or concentration. Since 0.6%SA appears to have negative effects on germination and seedling performance of the Varieties planted it is advisable to use lower concentration of sodium azide.