Radiaion-Induced Somatic Mutations in Kalanchoe (Kalanchoe laciniata.)

Abstract

Five dose of gamma radiation, i.e. 1,000 r, 2,000 r, 3,000 r, 4,000 r. 5,000 rat a dose rate of 72 r/min used to produce somatic mutation in Kalanchoe through leaf petiole cuttings. Many different mutants were produced from irradiated petioles. These mutants mostly exhibited changes in leaf structures eg. leaf margins, leaf shapes and colour. Out of various mutants, the one obtained from the irradiation of 4,000 r has a striking appearance. It is the dwarf plant with aleration in colour from normal green to purplish colour. From the experiment it can show beyond doubt the success of induction of somatic mutation in vegetatively propagated plant.