Genetic Variability Induction through Gamma Irradiation in Ox-Eye Daisy (Leucanthemum Vulgare Lam.) And Their Genetic Relationship

The present investigation was aimed to review hormesis, morphological and biochemical variability attributes associated to mutation and purification of novel mutants in Ox-eye daisy. The seeds of Leucanthemum vulgare were exposed to gamma rays (Source 60 Co) treatments at 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100 Gy. These gamma irradiated seeds in combination with un-irradiated seeds as control were planted in randomized block design. Low doses of gamma irradiation resulted in hormesis and evoked encouraging novelties, whereas the higher doses elicited higher degree of abnormalities and consequently mortality. The M2 seeds were seeded to look at their characters and mutations in population in every treatment. Three promising mutants viz. Spatulate type (L1) at 40 Gy, Quilled-Spatulate type (L2) at 60 Gy and Quilled type (L3) at 60 Gy gamma irradiation treatment were labelled, screened and checked for stability of characters in M2 and M3 generation, for genetic study and feasible uses of the traits. The seeds of M2 and M3 generation were seeded to look at their morphological characters and mutants in every population. RAPD molecular marker technique was inclined to study the genetic divergence and establishing distinctiveness or similarity between the mutants developed as a consequence of the mutagen treatment.