PJB-2018-233
IMPACT OF GAMMA IRRADIATION ON MORPHOLOGICAL AND AGRONOMIC TRAITS OF CANOLA (BRASSICA NAPUS L.)
Zahir Muhammad
Abstract
Gamma irradiation is an important mutagenic technique widely used in agriculture for the improvement of growth and yield potential of cultivated crops. The objective of this study was to evaluate important morpho-agronomic traits of four canola (Brassica napus L.) cultivars (Abasyn-95, Dur e Nifa, Hyola-401 and Shireeli) which were exposed to Co60 gamma irradiation doses (80, 90, 100, 110, 120, 130, 140, 150 and 160 Krad). Results revealed that different doses of gamma irradiation had significant effects on plant height, number of branches, number of leaves, leaf area, time taken to flowers initiation, number of seeds silique-1 and seed weight silique-1 while non-significant effect on number of silique plant-1. Significant variation was observed for all the studied parameters among cultivars. Interaction between doses and cultivars were significant for No. of branches, leaf area, time taken to flowers initiation and number of seeds and seed weight silique-1. However, it was non-significant for plant height, No. of leaves and number of silique plant-1. Compared to control, lower doses of gamma irradiation (80-110 Kr) significantly increased leaf area, growth and yield attributes; however, radiation doses exceeding 110 Kr had adverse effects on plant height, number of leaves and yield parameters. Thus, findings of this study suggests that lower doses of gamma irradiation ranging between 80 and 110 Kr may be employed in canola breeding programs for attaining high agronomic output.
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