Comparative Radiocytological Effect of Gamma Rays and Laser Rays on Safflower

In the present study we investigated the comparative genotoxic potential of laser rays and gamma rays on somatic and gametic cells of safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.). Mutagenic parameters like mitotic and meiotic consequences were accessed from the plants that showed a linear relationship between dose absorbed and chromosomal anomalies. A wide spectrum of chromosomal aberrations was encountered in both the laser and gamma ray irradiated set but the most frequent anomaly dominated was the stickiness of chromosomes. Some noble cytological mutants were also isolated like chain and multivalent formation at metaphase and cytoplasmic bridge formation at anaphase. The percentage of chromosomal aberrations observed in case of gamma rays treated set was higher than laser rays treated sets suggesting that gamma rays could be successfully employed for creating additional genetic variability in safflower.