The present investigation aimed to increase the tolerance in tissue culture of
three hybrids (hybrid 151 , hybrid 158 and hybrid 352) of yellow maize (Zea maysL.)
against the fungal pathogen (Fusarium oxysporum) through in vitro mutation
induction via the chemical mutagen EMS in mature embryos. The induced calli after
treated with EMS were selected and tested for their resistant activity against F.
oxysporum. Then chitinase activity and protein fingerprint of the tested calli were
detected. 0.6% EMS showed highly reduction in callus induction of the tested yellow
mays (Zea maize L.) hybrids than the other EMS doses (0.4%) or the control. Control
showed healthy calli ranged from 20 % to 40 % when inoculated with F. oxysporum.
All treated calli with EMS showed increasing in healthy calli than the controls reached
to 250, 150 and 170% of the hybrids; 151, 158 and 352, respectively when treated
with 0.4% EMS. Also reached to 250, 167 and 267% of the hybrids; 151, 158 and 352,
respectively when treated with 0.6% EMS. The mutagenized maize hybrids with EMS
showed increasing in chitinase activity than their control treatments. Whereas the
hybrids; 151, 158 and 352 reeched to 8.2§, 4.82 and 0.32%, respectively when
treated by 0.4% EMS, the hybrids; 151, 158 and 352 reached to 30.40, 11.59 and
12.51%, respectively when treated with 0.6% EMS. The induced and inhibited bands
from proteins could be used as genetic markers to detect the genetic response of
different maize hybrids under EMS effect.