Induction of mutation in chrysanthemum (Dendranthema grandiflorum Tzvelev.) cultivar Bindiya through gamma irradiation

Abstract

The terminal rooted cuttings of chrysanthemum cv. Bindiya were exposed to 0, 10, 20 and 30 Gy doses of γ-rays and planted in earthen pots (8”). Each treatment consists of three replications with 25 treated cuttings each. LD50 dose was determined as 30 Gy dose. Among the irradiated population, the highest plant survival (82.03%) , No. of branches (4.18), minimum days to bud initiation (82.36 days) with early opening of lowering (120.36 days) was observed with 10 Gy dose. Morphological abnormalities such as fused leaves, with lower levels of chlorophyll were observed at higher dose (30 Gy). Marked variations were recorded between the mutated and control populations. The original flower colour of Bindiya is red and flower colour mutants were of nearest shades of red group 44 C, 46 C and red group 46 B as per RHS Colour Chart and isolated from plants irradiated with 10 and 20 Gy doses of gamma rays. The ray florets were normal in control whereas, ray florets were spoon shaped, tubular and irregular in induced variants. These mutants were multiplied on a large-scale and evaluated for their stability. This study developed a mutagenesis protocol that could be used to develop novel colour mutants in chrysanthemum.