LAUSR

Abstract Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.) is a member of the Fabaceae family which is an annual, dicotyledonous and self-pollinated plant. Since genetic diversity is the basis of plant breeding programs, it is important to create genetic mutations in order to increase diversity. To induce mutation, this experiment was conducted by applying four levels (0.1, 0.2, 0.3, and 0.4 %) of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS) on fenugreek seeds. The treated seeds were planted in the research greenhouse on basis of randomized complete block design with three replications. The results showed that different EMS concentrations had significant effect on all the studied characteristics. The lowest values of the studied traits were observed in the control. Although the highest values of most morpho-physiological traits were obtained in 0.2 % of EMS, but the highest amount of phytochemical compounds were related higher concentrations of EMS. The content of trigonelline, diosgenin, nicotinic acid, and mucilage of grain were significantly increased with increasing EMS concentration. The highest and lowest contents of grains trigonelline were obtained in 0.3 % of EMS and control treatment, respectively. The nicotinic acid content had a positive and significant correlation with trigonelline, diosgenin and mucilage content. Also, the diosgenin content of grains had a positive significant correlation with mucilage content. In general, the application of sufficient concentrations of EMS mutants could be used as an effective tool to increase grain yield and secondary metabolites in breeding programs of fenugreek.