Gamma Ray Induced Radio Sensitivity in Three Different Mulberry (iMorus/i) Genotypes

摘要

Mulberry genotypes M5, S54 and Kosen were procured from mulberry germplasm bank, Department of Sericulture, Bangalore University. Juvenile twigs of mulberry genotypes were used for cuttings preparation. Newly prepared juvenile cuttings were irradiated with different doses of gamma rays (1 kR - 10 kR) from Co60 gamma unit. Propagation parameters like sprouting, rooting, survivability, plant height, number of branches, internodal distance and leaf area were recorded. Results revealed decline in growth parameters with the increase in gamma ray dosage (1 kR - 10 kR). Moderate dosages (4 kR - 7 kR) are the most competent range and height of the irradiated population significantly reduced with the increase in gamma rays dosage. Higher doses of gamma rays (8 kR - 10 kR) drastically reduced the number of branches. M5 and S54 showed marked improvement in plant height at 4 kR (155.14 cm) and 7 kR (147.86 cms) respectively compared to control. Morphologically, leaf mutants like enlarged (4 kR), curled (8 kR), mosaic (8kR) and biforked (9 kR) leaves were observed in gamma irradiated M5 genotype. Kosen exhibited small, crumpled, biforked and chlorophyll deficient leaves (8 kR - 10 kR). S54 exhibited boat shaped leaves with wrinkled texture (8 kR).