Technical note: Gamma irradiation induces changes of phenotypic and agronomic traits in wheat (Triticum turgidum ssp. durum)

CIRNO C2008 was irradiated with gamma rays at 100, 200, and 300 Gy. The irradiated plants obtained at 300 Gy (M₁) showed a significant reduction (compared to M₀ plants) in germination (i.e. 3.8% at day 5), survival percentage (48%), and plant height (63.3%). Thus, the Probit analysis showed an LD₅₀ of 287.80 Gy. Besides, these irradiated plants, in the field, showed a significant increase (compared to M₀ plants) in days to spike initiation (16 days), and maturation (14 days). On the other hand, in the field, fourteen chlorophyll mutants were found (at a different frequency) in the M₂ generation, such as Albina, Anthocyanin, Chlorina, Maculata, Tigrina, Striata, Viridis, Viridoalbina, Alboviridis, Xantha, Xanthviridis, Xanthalba, Viridoxantha, and Orange stem. In addition, mutants with changes in agronomic and morphological traits were observed. This nuclear technique is an alternative to obtain promising mutant lines that can be used directly as a variety and/or as parental to transfer these traits to other varieties.