Induction of mutations in Browallia speciosa using sodium azide and identification of the genetic variation by peroxidase isozyme

Plants of Browallia speciosa were treated with different concentrations of sodium azide (0, 200, 400, 600 and 800 ppm) as a soil drench. The concentration of 800 ppm had simulative effect on the most studied traits. It increased the number of branches and leaves, chlorophyll content, fresh weights of vegetative growth and roots, dry weights of vegetative growth and roots and root length in the M1 (2011/ 2012) and  M2 (2012/ 2013). All the concentrations of sodium azide produced changes in the flower colour, flower shape and leaf form in both generations. Peroxidase isozyme pattern indicated that seven loci produced of peroxidase are shown in B. speciosa.  In addition, different peroxidase profiles among mutants were found. The phylogenetic tree indicated that mutant 4 was the most genetically distinct mutant from the control followed by mutant 3.   Key words: Browallia speciosa, mutation, sodium azide, isozyme.