Induction with ⁶⁰Co gamma rays of modification variability and mutation of China aster (Callistephus chinensis Nees

• Main Author: A. Wosińska
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Published: Polish Botanical Society 2013-12-01
• Series: Acta Agrobotanica
• Online Access: https://pbsociety.org.pl/journals/index.php/aa/article/view/2235

The effect of radiation on variability was investigated in plants of five varieties of China aster, grown from seeds pretreated with various doses of gamma rays (generation M1) and in the progeny of these plants (generation M2). Both in generation M1 and in M2 the frequency of occurrence of radiation induced changes varied. In the M1 generation, beside teratological changes found most frequently in early periods, the observed variability concerned mostly leaves, their colour and size and the form of the lingual flowers. Plants with a different colour of flowers or a different habit were only sporadic. The changes induced by radiation were more frequently observed in the M2 generation than in the M1 They involved the following characters: height and habit of plants, colour of shoots, leaves and flowers, the forms of lingual marginal flowers, the time of flowering and the perfume. Most frequently changes were observed in several characters. When the shoots and leaves colour showed changes of anthocyanin type, the colour of the flowers was usually also modified. Most changed plants were noted after a dose of 9 kR in the M1 generation, and after 6-9 kR in the M2 generation. These doses were described in generation M1 at the stage of flowering in most of the tested varieties as LD50.