A Study on the Effect of Gamma Radiations on Dahlia Cultivar NBRI 'Pinki'

Abstract

The rooted cuttings of Dahlia cultivar NBRI 'Pinki' were treated with different doses of gamma radiations and planted with untreated (control) cuttings. The changes occurred in treated plants at different intervals were studied and they were compared with the untreated ones. In the plants, treated with gamma radiations retarded growth, irregular growth of the leaves and fusion, thick and leathery touch of leaves, change in the stomata number, decline in the wax coating on the surfaces of the leaves were observed. The radio sensitivity of the plants based on different morphological characters were observed in Dahlia 'Pinki'. Consequently, it was concluded that variegation in the leaves and colour variation among the flowers of Dahlia can be caused by means of gamma radiations.