Study of Chlorophyll Mutations and Chlorophyll Content in Young Oil Palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq) after Gamma Irradiation

English

Chlorophyll mutations provide one of the most dependable indices for evaluating genetic effects of mutagenic treatments and have been reported in various pulse crops by several workers. The present investigation was undertaken to study the effects of gamma irradiation in inducing chlorophyll mutations and as well investigate chlorophyll content after gamma radiation at 10 Gy in M1, M2, M2M1 populations of oil palm seedlings. Chlorophyll mutations were observed 2 MAP and chlorophyll content was determined using Chlorophyll content meter (SPAD 502) at 4, 6, 8, 10, 12 months after planting (MAP). Results revealed six chlorophyll mutants namely xantha, chlorina, chimerical leaves, maculata, striata, and viridis. Significant differences were observed for chlorophyll content at 4, 6, 8 MAP. Results showed that at 10 Gy of gamma irradiation, chlorophyll mutations could be induced and chlorophyll content reduces at the initial stages of plant growth after gamma irradiation (4-8 MAP) and later becomes normalized (10-12 MAP).

Darkwah, D. O.; Blay, E. T.; Amoatey, H. M.; Agyei-Dwarko, D.; Sapey, E.; Osei, S. A.