Morphological variability in Gladiolus hybridus L. variety ‘Punjab glance’ through gamma irradiation

Abstract

The objective of this study, using gamma rays on gladiolus was to create genetic variability to improve the quantitative traits and to evaluate the genetic variation. The corms of gladiolus variety ‘Punjab Glance’ were treated with Co60 gamma rays at 0, 50, 100, 125 and 150 Gy, and were planted in the field. Data were recorded for various floral parameters. As the dose was increased from 50 to 150 Gy, reduction in spike length, number of florets per spike, floret size, and vase life. Maximum spike length (80.60 cm), number of florets (14.38), floret size (12.34 cm), vase life (15.04cm) were recorded at 50 Gy while the maximum time was taken to initiation of buds (119.30 days) and total days to flowering (120.04 days) was observed with 150 Gy. Flower head fasciation and asymmetrical development of flower heads increased with increased dose of gamma irradiation. Various changes in flower colour and shape were recorded after treatment in the form of chimeras. One mutant having light yellow colour (Yellow Orange 4C) showing slight fading from the original colour was isolated from corm treated with 100Gy were obtained and further multiplied vegetatively.