Enhancement of regeneration potential and variability by γ-irradiation in cultured cells of Scilla indica

Induced mutagenesis in callus tissues was studied in the medicinal plant Scilla indica irradiated with different doses of gamma -radiation ranging from 2.5 to 20 Gy. Low doses accelerated the cell division and growth rate of the tissues whereas high doses repressed growth rate and resulted in lethality of tissues. Various cytological and chromosomal abnormalities were observed in the irradiated calli, the degree of which depended upon the dosage. Low doses of irradiation also promoted the regenerating capacity of the calli tissues and plants regenerating from them exhibited better growth and vigour compared to normal plants. High doses led to loss of regenerating capacity and promoted formation of malformed and stunted plants. Cytological study of regenerants revealed both diploid and mixoploid plants but no tetraploids were obtained.