Abstract:
A very high percentage of progeny derived from crossing tuberous begonias (2N=56) with the species begonia socotrana (2N=28) are sterile.
When selected sterile clones possessing overall high quality characteristics are exposed to gamma rays, X-rays, or fast neutron radiation, broad spectrum mutants have been recovered and introduced to the commercial trade.
Tissue culture material of the same selected clones maintained at low levels of activity for long periods of time have given rise to mutants of commercial value.
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