Effect of gamma radiation on vegetative and floral characters of Gladiolus cultivars (Praha, tiger flame and snow princess)

Abstract

Uniform and healthy corms of three gladiolus cultivars (Praha, Tiger flame and Snow princess) were irradiated with different doses (0kR, 1.5kR, 3kR, 4.5kR and 6kR) of gamma rays and planted under open field condition in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with factorial concept. Each treatment was replicated thrice. The results of the study regarding influence of different gamma irradiation treatment on growth, flowering, corms and yield in 3 different varieties along with the varietal response on these parameters have been summarized in these chapters. On the basis of the findings, most of characters were stimulated till 3kR treatment but started to reduce from 4.5kR. Gamma irradiated dose at 1.5kR proved the most beneficial for various growth, flowering and yield trait in gladiolus. The Corms when treated with higher doses (6kR), the plant height, leaf number and leaf size were reduced significantly and leaves become narrow and leathery. At 6kR the number of florets and length of spike, rachis length corms and cormels production reduced drastically and abnormal spike were produced. Light Red or Light Orange color flower was produced in 1.5kR treated corms in Praha variety. While in Tiger Flame variety at 1.5kR and 3kR Chimera was found. Therefore on the basis of a year finding it may be concluded that lower doses of gamma radiation can be applied for gladiolus improvement and among the cultivars Praha and Tiger flame responded well to various doses of gamma radiation.