Journal of Environmental Biology

Ionizing radiation mediated effect on morphological, biochemical and microsporogenesis behavior of Artemisia annua L. 

R. Singh and G. Kumar*?  

Plant Genetics Laboratory, Department of Botany, University of Allahabad, Allahabad - 211 002, India

*Corresponding Author Email : kumar_girjesh@yahoo.com

Paper received: 26.07.2019 ?????? ???????????????????????????????????????Revised received: 13.11.2019 ???????????? ?????????????????????????????????????Accepted: 01.04.2020

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the effect of gamma rays on the cytological, morphological and biochemical aspects of Artemisia annua L.

Methodology: Fresh seeds of Artemisia annua L. were treated with gamma rays (100 Gy, 200 Gy, 300 Gy & 400 Gy) through a ⁶⁰Co source. Along with one set of control, the seeds were sown in triplicates to raise population for meiotic study. Mature capitula were collected for pollen study. Mutagen sensitivity was also studied using morphological (germination percentage, survival percentage, plant height and internodal length) and biochemical (chlorophyll content) parameters

Results: Total abnormality percentage (TAB%) showed direct relationship with the increasing doses of gamma rays and different chromosomal aberrations such as scattering, precocious, laggard and bridge formation etc. were also observed. Stickiness was the main chromosomal abnormality observed in treated sets, mostly at 300Gy and 400Gy doses. The results clearly elucidate that the higher doses of gamma rays substantially affected the growth parameters as evident from the data of morphological and biochemical parameter, which were considerably reduced with the increase in dose of gamma rays. At higher doses, some chlorophyll variants were observed like chlorine, xantha and viridis etc.      

Interpretation: Gamma rays had induced sufficient genetic variability in Artemisia, hence, induced cytological disturbance alters genetic material which can be inherited to the subsequent generation. These genetic variability creates agronomically superior mutants which will be promising materials for plant breeders in near future.       

Key words: Artemisia annua, Chromosomal aberrations, Gamma rays, Microsporogenesis, Total abnormality percent

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