Question

Which of the following is generally used for inducing mutagenesis in crop plants?

• A. X rays
• B. UV (260 nm)
• C. Gamma rays (from cobalt 60)
• D. Alpha particles

Answer 1

Answer: (C)

Gamma rays (from cobalt 60)

Induced mutation is one of the best alternatives for the improvement of crop plant as it can help to regenerate and restore the variability, which is generally lost in the process of adaptation to various stresses. Gamma sources are used to irradiate a wide range of plant materials, like seeds, whole plants, plant parts, flowers, anthers, pollen grains and single cell cultures or protoplasts. Radiations have been used successfully to induce useful mutations for plant breeding. The lower doses/ concentrations of the mutagenic treatments could enhance the biochemical components, which are used for improved economic characters.

Thus, the correct answer is option C.