ABSTRACT

 This study investigated the mutagenic effect of x-ray on growth of pepper (Capsicum annum) of three different varieties of pepper- Langa langa, (World bitter and California wonder). The experiment was carried out in the screen house of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike, Umuahia, Abia State, Nigeria, and in the research field of National Plant. Soil and Water Laboratory, Umudike. The experiment was carried out using seeds collected from National Agricultural Seed Council (NASC). Umudike. The experiment was laid out as Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD) replicated three times. Parameters evaluated include root length, shoot height. number of leaves. germination percentage. leaf area and plant girth. The x-ray irradiation doses used were I Mgy, 2 Mgy. 4 Mgy. 6 Mgy and 8 Mgy. From the result, it was observed that World bitter produced its highest germination percentage (59%). highest number of leaves (3.4 mean value). highest plant girth ( 1.9 mm) and highest root length (2.4 mm) all at 6 Mgy x-ray radiation dose while Langa langa produced the highest number of leaves at I Mgy (3.4 mean value) and 4 Mgy x-ray radiation dose (at 2.7 mean value). Valencia sweet pepper produced the least percentage germination. least number of leaves and least root length. This evaluation suggests that the breeders could use these observations in their breeding selection.