Abstract

CANUL-KU, Jaime et al. Effect of irradiation on wild poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) in Morelos. Rev. Mex. Cienc. Agríc [online]. 2012, vol.3, n.8, pp.1495-1507. ISSN 2007-0934.

In Mexico, there is no information on the effects that irradiation causes on poinsettia (Euphorbia pulcherrima Willd. ex Klotzsch) therefore there is a need to generate it. This study evaluated the effect of gamma irradiation on plant characteristics and poinsettia seed and determined the best dose. In 2010, seeds collected in Texcal, Morelos were treated with gamma rays at intervals of 25 Gray, from 50 to 275, plus control. These were germinated in trays with substrate Sunshine^® No. 3 in the Experimental field, Zacatepec, Morelos. Seedlings with four true leaves were transplanted to pots of 16 L with substrate 60-20-20 v / v ocochal, alluvial soil and coconut fiber. It was established in a randomized block design with 10 replications. It was registered emergence percentage, hypocotyl height, plant height, cyathium diameter; length and width of bract, petiole length of bract, inflorescence peduncle length; length, width and weight of 100 seeds. For the Statistical analysis was performed an analysis of variance and mean comparison. Statistically significant differences were detected. The dose of 150 Gy reduced plant height. Cyathium diameter, peduncle length of inflorescence, length and width of seed was higher with 250 Gy. It gained higher bract width and weight of 100 seeds with 175 and 225 Gy, respectively. The best plant response was achieved by applying 250 Gray. Irradiation promoted genetic variation that can be used in genetic breeding programs on poinsettia.

Keywords : bract; doses; mutagenesis; seed.