THE STUDIES ON LITCHI SINENSIS SONN IMPROVEMENT THROUGH INDUCED MUTATION. I. THE RESPONSE OF SEEDS VARIETY HONG HUAY TO GAMMA RAYS.

Abstract

The irradiation of gamma rays at 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 Gy at the dose rate of 6.68 Gy/min. to the fruit of Litchi sinensis Hong Huay and then the seeds were germinated. Seed germination was reduced from 80% in the controlled to 60% in the 20 Gy treatment. The irradiation at 60 Gy led to less than 20% seeds germination. All levels of gamma rays induced abnormal leaf shape. However, leaf chimera was found at the irradiation level from 40 Gy.