Differential physiological sensitivity of peanut varieties to seed treatments with Des and Ems

Peanuts (Arachis hypogaea L.) proved very sensitive to DES. Significant differences were found between the varieties in their physiological sensitivity to solutions of the alkylating agents DES and EMS as judged by their germination rate and seedling height. The higher tolerance of the variety Congo, especially to DES, might be due in part to its less permeable testas. However, tests with testa removal and presoaking showed that the Congo embryos possessed additional attributes which enabled them to withstand better or overcome the adverse effects of the mutagen solutions and/or their hydrolysis products. In both Congo and the more sensitive variety, Dixie Anak, older seeds were more susceptible to injury than freshly harvested seeds. Presoaking in deionized water increased the sensitivity of the seeds to DES but not to EMS.