Effect of Gamma Rays on Vegetative and Flowering Parameters of Gerbera (Gerbera jamesonii Bolus Ex Hooker F.)

The suckers of nine gerbera varieties namely RCGH-12, RCGH-22, RCG-12, RCG-18, RCG-7, RCG-19, RCGH-117, RCGH-38, and RCG-10 were exposed to gamma rays treatments (1.5 Kr; Source 60Co).These gamma irradiated suckers along with untreated suckers were planted under low cost polyhouse. The radio- sensitivity of these varieties was determined on the basis of various vegetative and floral characteristics of the treated plants. The findings indicated that gamma radiation treatment @ 0.5 Kr had significantly detrimental effect on plant height, number of leaves, flower stalk length, flower duration and number of flowers per plant per year in all varieties studied.