Comparative Radiosensitivity of Diploid and Autotetraploid Trigonella Foenum-Graecum L. to Gamma Rays

SUMMARY

Comparative radioresistance of diploids and artificially raised tetraploids of Trigonella foenum-graecum has been investigated at 30 and 50 krad of gamma rays. Advantage of using autoploids for such studies have been discussed. Different parameters were taken into consideration. Germination in both cases show little effect of radiation. Despite higher ICV, at higher doses, 4 n were resistant in survival, growth reduction at maturity and pollen sterility. Seed setting in 4 n was severely affected. Differential response of 2 n and 4 n in chiasma frequency at different doses was noted. A possible correlation between higher frequency of abnormal cells, univalents, Lagging chromosomes, fragments in 4 n with higher ICV has been proposed.