Gamma Irradiation Sensitivity in Coriandrum sativum L. (Coriander)

Abstract

Mutagenic sensitivity of seeds irradiated with gamma rays at various doses was investigated in Coriandrum sativum. The attributes studied were seed germination rate, seedling growth, mitotic and meiotic abnormalities, field germination rate and survivability, pollen fertility and seed yield. Gamma irradiations induced both physiological and cytological disturbances such as reduction in seed germination rate and seedling growth as well as decrease in mitotic index and enhancement of mitotic and meiotic aberration frequencies at metaphase, anaphase and resting cells and in metaphase I (M I), anaphase I (A I) and anaphase II (A II) respectively. Results suggested that doses of gamma irradiations monitored are sub-lethal in nature as evinced from lethal dose, 50% (LD 50 ) but can also potentially bring about cytogenetical variations in the seeds of treated plants (M 1 ) causing mutation in subsequent generation.