Preliminary Results of Gerbera Breeding Via In - Vitro Mutation Using Gamma Ray (60Co)
Abstract
The aim of study was to induce mutations in gerbera clones by gamma radiation treatment with three introduced cultivars: Mademoiselle, Goldy and Winterqueen. Calluses induced from flower bud explants were treated with 7 doses of g 60Co ray: 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8 and 10 krad. The dose of 6 - 10 krad caused 100 percent death but the doses from 3 to 5 krad resulted in morphological changes/variants in shoots regenerated from calli. Morphological changes could be categorized into 5 types: type A - leaves with mosaic green spots; type B - leaves showing albinism, totally white and thin, short plant; type C - vigorous growth with thick and dark- green leaves; type D: leaves grow very quickly and have high multiplication coefficient and type E: thin leaves with white edges and light green leaf blade. The stability of induced mutants was evaluated through continuous subcultures and two clones with different flower color and structure were selected for further breeding program