Abstract:
Induced mutation holds promise for effective improvement and have high potential for bringing about genetic variability. Regenerable calli of four rice varieties were exposed to 0 to 6 Gy of gamma rays to determine their effect on growth and plant regeneration capability. Both growth and regeneration capacity decreased with increasing levels of gamma rays ; however, plant regeneration capacity was more sensitive to gamma rays than growth. The 50% inhibition dose for callus growth and plant regeneration was approximately 5.0 Gy of gamma radiation in Binnatoa variety. But in remaining varieties 4.0 Gy was recorded for callus growth and 2.0 Gy for regeneration.