Phenotypic characterization of adult plants of Suico obtained from irradiated seeds

MASSUH YAMILE; BRUNETTI, P.C; OCAÑO, S.; CHAVES, A.G.; TORRES L.E.; CASTILLO, N.; BUSTOS, J.A; CHAUTEMPS, A.; ZYGADLO, J.; OJEDA, M.

Molecular Medicinal Chemistry

INSTITUTO DE INVESTIGACIÓN DE LAS CIENCIAS EXACTAS FÝSICAS Y NATURALES

Lugar: Santiago de Chile; Año: 2010 vol. 21 p. 80 - 83

1666-888X

One way to induce mutations is through irradiation with neutrons and gamma rays, which generate molecular changes. The irradiation process leaves residual radiation and creates offspring with new features. Mutations in plants can improve their performance, germination, quality, size and disease resistance. Until now the effect of the irradiation applied to native aromatic species has not been studied. On this basis, the aim of this study was to evaluate morphologically adult individuals of Tagetes minuta derived from seeds irradiated with neutrons and  rays. The irradiation treatments were three: 5 and 10 hours of neutron irradiation and gamma irradiation and these were compared with plants obtained from non-irradiated seed (control). Of each treatment, 20 seedlings were placed in a field trial where completed its growth. Quantitative and qualitative phenotypic characters were evaluated. Most of the characters tested did not differ significantly among plants in different treatments. No plants with mutations of phenotypic expression, abnormalities or high mortality were recorded. From these results it can be affirmed that the species is tolerant to irradiation and can germinate and develop until complete its phenological cycle.