Mutagenesis effects of X-irradiation on the germination, growth and development of Maize (Zea mays) seeds due to time of exposure (part 1)

Abstract

The time of exposure and mutagenesis effects of X-ray on the germination, growth and development of maize (Zea mays) seeds have been investigated employing a nuclear source, (⁹⁰Sr as X-ray source; 3mA, 70kv). Five sects of zea mays seeds in different packs were irradiated in different times of exposure and later planted separately with another 6^th non-irradiated sects (control experiment) on an open fertile land. Measurements at eight days interval were carried out on the plants' heights, its leaves widths, days to anther and silk for six consecutive times after planting. Results revealed, the day to anther (42) days and day to silk (35) days after planting respectively for the irradiated sects were delayed. A comparative study carried out on all the sects in terms of the plants' height and leaves' width indicated that 83 percent of the plants examined showing consistent mutation in both heights and leaves width as a function of time of exposure.

Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences Vol. 12(2) 2006: 221-224