Effect of 60Co γ irradiation on seed germination and growth of Vallisneria natans

Abstract

The seeds of Vallisneria natans (V. natans) were irradiated with four different doses of 60Co γ rays. Germination rate, plant height, fresh weight, chlorophyll, malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidase activities were assessed to investigate the effects of 60Co γ irradiation on V. natans seed germination and growth. The germination rate of V. natans seeds treated with 60 Gy and 120 Gy was significantly lower than that of the control group. Chlorophyll a and b, and total chlorophyll content of irradiated V. natans leaves initially increased, then decreased. The malondialdehyde content of V. natans leaves treated with 120 Gy was significantly higher than that of control leaves. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in V. natans leaves treated with 60 Gy and 120 Gy was significantly higher than that in control leaves. Catalase (CAT) activity in V. natans leaves treated with 30 Gy, 60 Gy, and 120 Gy was significantly lower than that in control leaves. This research can provide biochemical references for the selection and breeding of new varieties of V. natans.

Keywords

• 60co γ ray
• vallisneria natans
• malondialdehyde
• antioxidase