Effect of gamma rays on flowering, post-harvest life and morphological changes in gladiolus varieties

Present investigation was carried out for three years (2017-2018, 2018–2019 and 2019–2020) at Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi, India to find out effect of various gamma doses i.e., 20 Gy, 30 Gy, 40 Gy and 50 Gy along with control (untreated plants) in nine gladiolus varieties such as Gulal, Jyotsna, Mohini, Pusa Kiran, Pusa Srijana, Pusa Vidushi, Swarnima, Pusa Shubham and Urvashi. Lower dose of gamma (20 Gy) registered late withering of last floret, maximum length of spike and water uptake on 3rd day in vase during 1st year and 2^nd year. Maximum length of 5^th floret was observed with 20 Gy during 1st year and it was maximum with 40 Gy during 2^nd year. Among varieties, late withering of 5^th floret was registered with cv. Jyotsna and maximum water uptake on 3rd day was recorded with cv. Pusa Shubham. Late withering of 5^th floret was obtained with 30 Gy in field condition and in vase it was maximum with 20 Gy gamma dose. Various morphological abnormalities and deformities were observed at higher gamma doses (40 and 50 Gy) in all three years of experimentation. Anomalous change in flower shape, size and colour was identified in irradiated plants when compared to parents.

• Gamma doses of 20 Gy and 30 Gy were found beneficial for flowering and post harvest life.

• Cultivar Jyotsna, Pusa Shubhama and Swarnima responded positively with various gamma doses.

• Morphological changes in growth and flowering characters were observed in cvs. Jyotsna, Pusa Kiran and Pusa Srijana at 40 and 50 Gy.