Mutagenic effects of gamma Irradiation on oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) Seedling germination and growth.

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.