Induction of variability in golden rod (Solidago canadensis L.) by physical and chemical mutagens

Abstract

The present investigation entitled “Induction of Variability in Golden Rod (Solidago canadensis L.) By Physical and Chemical Mutagens” was conducted at the Floriculture Research Farm, ASPEE College of Horticulture, Navsari Agricultural University, Navsari, Gujarat, India during 2022-23 and 2023-24. Both generations were laid out in Randomized Block Design (RBD) with three replications. During 2022-23, suckers of golden rod were treated with different doses of mutagens which included twelve treatments in VM1 generation viz, T1: 0.5 kR gamma rays, T2: 1.0 kR gamma rays, T3: 1.5 kR gamma rays, T4: 2.0 kR gamma rays, T5: 2.5 kR gamma rays, T6: 0.25% DES, T7: 0.50% DES, T8: 0.75% DES, T9: 0.25% EMS, T10: 0.50% EMS, T11: 0.75% EMS and T12: Control. Effects of various mutagens on vegetative parameters and flowering related aspects were investigated. Survival and vegetative growth parameters were significantly affected by mutagenic treatments. Generally, lower dose of mutagens showed positive effect on growth related attributes as compared to higher doses. Maximum survival percent (97.78) was observed in control (T12). Maximum number of leaves per plant (70.15) was recorded in plants irradiated with 2.0 kR gamma rays (T4). Maximum plant height (69.42 cm) and plant spread (23.99 cm) in N-S and (23.13 cm) in E-W directions was noted in the plant treated with EMS @ 0.50% (T10). Maximum number of suckers per clump (7.40) was obtained from the plants irradiated with in gamma rays @ 0.5 kR (T1).