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IMPACT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION INDUCED CHANGES ON GROWTH AND PHYSIOLOGICAL RESPONSES OF RICE UNDER SALINE CONDITIONS

A. SHEREEN, R. ANSARI, S. MUMTAZ, H.R. BUGHIO, S.M. MUJTABA, M.U. SHIRAZI AND M.A. KHAN

Abstract: Seeds of 3 rice varieties viz., Shua-92, Sarshar and IR-8 were irradiated with gamma rays (150, 200 and 250 Gy of Cobalt-60) for determining the effectiveness of different doses of irradiation on growth behaviour and physiological responses (chlorophyll contents and ionic concentrations) of rice plants. Seeds of all these varieties from M₂ generation were collected along with their parents and were grown at different levels of salinity (0, 50 and 75mM NaCl) under water culture conditions for two weeks period. Significant reduction was observed in plant height, leaf area and fresh weight of all parent varieties. None of the parent variety was able to survive at 75mM NaCl salinity. Comparison among different doses of radiation have shown that 150 Gy was found comparatively more effective not only for survival under higher salinity level (75mM NaCl) but also exhibited an enhancement in biomass production and have pronounced effects on ionic responses of these plants. These studies have revealed that enhanced chlorophyll and K, and less Na uptake due to irradiation may be responsible for better growth under saline condition.

Nuclear Institute of Agriculture, Tandojam, Sindh, Pakistan