Induced mutagenesis using gamma radiations in Tagetes erecta

Marigold is a popular loose flower crop having good market. So, there is always demand of novel varieties in marigold. Induced mutagenesis is a very convenient and fast method to create new variations. By using mutagens, mutations were induced by treating seeds or any propagating material. In this investigation, we treated marigold seeds with gamma radiations and observed that the parameters i.e. plant length, plant spread, number of branches, flower size, ray floret length and width were significantly decreased with increase in doses of gamma rays. At lower doses, the growth was significantly good but later it decreased and had deleterious effect at higher doses to marigold. The days to bud initiation and full bloom and flower duration increased with increase in doses of gamma rays. Induced mutations resulted in changes in visual parameters with respect to plant stature and flower structure. Flower colour changes from shades of yellow orange to yellow from orange that is original colour of variety “Punjab Gainda No.1”.