<i>In vitro</i> mutagenesis in embryogenic cell suspensions of banana cv. Grande naine (<i>Musa</i> AAA)

Abstract

Somatic embryogenesis is a useful process for clonal propagation and genetic improvement by induction of mutations. This work was carried out with the objective of determining the effect of 60Co source Gamma radiations on embryogenic cell suspensions of banana cv. 'Grande naine' (Musa AAA) until conversion to plants. Different doses of radiation (0, 30, 40, 50, 60, 70 and 80 Gy) were applied to embryogenic cell suspensions in the multiplication phase and the embryos were later formed, matured and germinated. To determine the ex vitro response of the population of plants obtained these were transferred to greenhouse. The results showed that with somatic embryos formed fresh mass no differences were observed between the effect of the different doses of radiation applied and the control. However, the radiation dose affected the percentage of somatic embryo formation and germination. Plants with phenotypic variations were regenerated with 40 Gy. The results at the greenhouse showed that as radiation doses increased up to 50 Gy, the frequency of variations increased. With higher doses of radiation the survival of the plants was affected. Keywords: Gamma radiation, in vitro mutagenesis, radiation dose, radiosensibility, somatic embryo