Biotechnology Bulletin ›› 2026, Vol. 42 ›› Issue (5): 272-279.doi: 10.13560/j.cnki.biotech.bull.1985.2025-0994

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Construction and Screening of EMS Induced Mutant Library of Luffa

MIN Zi-yang1(), LI Jia-jia2, WU Qi3,4, HU Xin-jun1, HAN Xiao-xia1, HAN Rong5, LI Yong-qi1()   

  1. 1.Department of Vegetable Research Institute, Hunan Academy of Agricultural Sciences, Changsha 410125
    2.Hunan Xingshu Breed Industry Co. , Ltd. , Changsha 410100
    3.Department of Bioengineering, Shaoyang Polytechnic, Shaoyang 422004
    4.Technical Innovation Center for Development and Industrial Application of Melon Germplasm Resources, Shaoyang 422004
    5.Hengyang Vegetable Research Institute, Hengyang 421001
  • Received:2025-09-17 Online:2026-05-26 Published:2026-06-10
  • Contact: LI Yong-qi E-mail:minziyang1220@163.com;56368132@qq.com

Abstract:

Objective This study is aimed to screen for elite germplasm resources of luffa (Luffa spp.) by constructing an ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) mutant library, and provide abundant foundational materials for genetic improvement, new variety breeding, and gene function research in luffa. Method Using seeds of the luffa advanced inbred line S199 as experimental material, EMS mutagenesis was conducted with different combinations of EMS concentration (1.4%, 1.8%, and 2.2%) and treatment duration (6, 10, and 14 h). The germination rate and seedling survival rate of the treated seeds were used as evaluation indicators to determine the optimal mutagenesis conditions and subsequently construct the mutant library. Phenotypic observation of the mutant progeny was carried out, focusing on the investigation, preservation, and statistical analysis of major agronomic traits-including leaf, fruit, plant architecture, and reproductive organ characteristics-in M2 generation individuals. Result The optimal mutagenesis condition for luffa seeds was treated with 1.8% EMS for 10 h, resulting in germination and seedling survival rates of 51.67% and 46.33%, respectively, which was close to the semi-lethal dose. Seedlings under this condition generally had leaf wrinkling. A mutant library consisting of 526 M2 families was constructed. A total of 78 mutant individuals were screened, including 29 with leaf variations, 18 with plant architecture variations, 26 with fruit shape variations, and 5 with variations in reproductive organs, encompassing 17 distinct phenotypes. The overall mutation rate was 4.60%. A mutant with glossy fruit peel was identified, its fruit surface was smooth and shiny, and it showed significantly improved post-harvest storage and transport tolerance. Genetic analysis indicated that this trait was controlled by a single recessive gene, making it a valuable material for further research. Conclusion A mutant library of luffa comprising 526 M2 families is successfully constructed, with an overall phenotypic mutation rate of 4.60%.

Key words: luffa, EMS, mutant library, construction, phenotype analysis, new germplasm