The influence of Gamma irradiation doses (Co60 source) on the growth and development of In vitro and in vivo Gerbera plants

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of different Gamma irradiation doses (Co60 source) on the growth and development of in vitro and in vivo Gerbera plants. Study materials were 4 Gerbera varieties being grown commonly in the current production: DT1, DT2, DT3 and DT4. Calluses from flower buds were irradiated by different doses of Gamma rays (Co60 source): 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 50, 60 and 70 Gy in comparison with the control variety (0 Gy). The results showed that, in the in vitro stage: at 60-70 Gy (lethal threshold doses), the regeneration capacity and the quality of shoots were decreased by increasing radiation doses; at 5-10 Gy, shoot morphology and multilication rate were slightly decreased; and at the higher radiation doses, root length and number of roots/shoots were significantly decreased. In the nursery stage (in vivo), at the dose of 20-40 Gy, quality of seedlings were worse in comparison with the control; and at 5-10 Gy, the seedling morphology and quality were slightly affected.