Abstract:
Mutation induction has been used to generate genetic variability in most crop plants. This research was
conducted to assess genetic variation induced by gamma radiation on the various treatment designated
as M1, M2, M2M1 at 10 Gy. A randomised complete block design with four replicates was used for the
experiment. Parameters such as percentage germination, root length, leaf area, plant height and stem/trunk
circumference were taken from 4- to 12-month seedlings after planting. Data was analysed using GenStat
(12th edition), which revealed significant differences in germination and growth of these oil palm seedlings.
The study shows that percentage germination as well as growth parameters were stimulated in the M1
seedlings but inhibited in the M2 and M2M1 populations.
