Department of Horticulture, Institute of Agricultural Sciences, Banaras Hindu University, Varanasi-221 005, India
*Corresponding author: anjana.floriculture@gmail.com
Online published on 29 September, 2014.
Present investigation was carried out for 3 years (2011–12, 2012–13 and 2013–14) at Varanasi, India to find out influence of various gamma doses i.e. 1.5, 2.5, 3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 kR along with untreated (control) in different varieties of gladiolus viz., Aldebaran, Jyotsana, Legend, Praha, Punjab Dawn, Pusa Kiran and Tiger Flame. Maximum number of opened florets in vase was recorded with control during 1st year, whereas during 2nd year it was higher with 2.5 kR. Among varieties maximum opened florets were exhibited with cvs. Jyotsana and Tiger Flame during 1st and 2nd, respectively. Gamma dose at 1.5 kR registered maximum number of opened florets at a time during both years. Longevity of first floret was more with 2.5 kR treatment. Maximum vase life was recorded with 5.5 and 2.5 kR during 1st and 2nd year respectively. Among the varieties, maximum vase life was recorded with cv. Punjab Dawn followed by cvs. Tiger Flame during 1st and 2nd years. Various morphological changes were observed with different doses (3.5, 4.5 and 5.5 kR) and an unstable mutant in variety Pusa Kiran was observed at 2.5 kR. However, a stable mutant during 3rd year of investigation was recorded in cv. Tiger Flame at 3.5 kR gamma irradiation. This mutant has orange yellow colour flowers. Variation on flower shape, size and colour was exhibited than parent.
Gamma doses 1.5 and 2.5 kR were found beneficial for post harvest life.
Among the varieties Jyotsana, Tiger Flame and Pusa Kiran positively responded with gamma doses.
A stable mutant of orange yellow colour was evolved in variety Tiger Flame at 3.5 kR gamma dose.
Gladiolus, gamma irradiation, post harvest, vase life, mutant
