ISHS Acta Horticulturae 215: Seed Research in Horticulture
IMPROVED PERFORMANCE OF TECTONA GRANDIS SEEDS WITH GAMMA IRRADIATION |
| Authors: | Y.R. Bhargava, A.S. Khalatkar |
| Abstract:
Tectona grandis Linn., commonly known as 'Teak' is grown in gardens and parks for the leaf shape and size. However, the major problem in cultivation of this plant is poor seed germination. Therefore, investigations on the effect of gamma irradiation in the seeds of Teak were undertaken. Genetically pure seeds were treated with 10, 20, 30, 40 and 50 kR in a 60Co-Gamma Cell administered at 1.2 kR/min. Irradiation with lower doses improved seed germination. Similarly, 20 and 30 kR influenced the seedling growth to a significant extent and different degrees of stimulation was observed in almost all the treated plant population. As a result of better seed establishment, the number of leaves and branches were considerably higher. Girth of the stem at different levels of growth varied, maximum being in 10 kR plants. In these treatments, a plant type was obtained which had altered leaf shape and prolonged leaf bearing phase. The photosynthetic area in this plant was significantly more than control and had its reflection on growth. The data obtained indicate considerable improvement in the overall performance of seeds irradiated with gamma rays. | |
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