Technical note: Gamma irradiation induces changes of phenotypic and agronomic traits in wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum)

• Published in: Applied radiation and isotopes 2021-01, Vol.167, p.109490-109490, Article 109490
• Main Authors: Ahumada-Flores, Sergio, Gómez Pando, Luz Rayda, Parra Cota, Fannie Isela, de la Cruz Torres, Eulogio, Sarsu, Fatma, de los Santos Villalobos, Sergio
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Agronomic trait; CIRNO C2008; Gamma-rays; LD50; Morphology; Mutation
• ISSN: 0969-8043; 1872-9800
• DOI: 10.1016/j.apradiso.2020.109490

CIRNO C2008 was irradiated with gamma rays at 100, 200, and 300 Gy. The irradiated plants obtained at 300 Gy (M1) showed a significant reduction (compared to M0 plants) in germination (i.e. 3.8% at day 5), survival percentage (48%), and plant height (63.3%). Thus, the Probit analysis showed an LD50 of 287.80 Gy. Besides, these irradiated plants, in the field, showed a significant increase (compared to M0 plants) in days to spike initiation (16 days), and maturation (14 days). On the other hand, in the field, fourteen chlorophyll mutants were found (at a different frequency) in the M2 generation, such as Albina, Anthocyanin, Chlorina, Maculata, Tigrina, Striata, Viridis, Viridoalbina, Alboviridis, Xantha, Xanthviridis, Xanthalba, Viridoxantha, and Orange stem. In addition, mutants with changes in agronomic and morphological traits were observed. This nuclear technique is an alternative to obtain promising mutant lines that can be used directly as a variety and/or as parental to transfer these traits to other varieties. •The Probit analysis showed an LD50 of 287.80 Gy for wheat seeds.•Irradiated plants showed a significant increase in days to spike initiation and maturation.•Fourteen chlorophyll mutants were found (at a different frequency) in the M2 generation.•Mutants with changes in agronomic and morphological traits were observed in the M2 generation.•This nuclear technique is an alternative to obtain promising mutant lines that can be used as a variety and/or as parental.