Influence of X-
Influence
of X-rays on Leucaena lecocephala L
Riaz Ullah1*, Jameel A. Khader2,
Naser M. AbdEIslam2
1Department of Chemistry, Sarhad University of Science
and Information Technology Peshawar KPK Pakistan
2Arriyadh Community College, King Saud
University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
Corresponding author; Dr
Riaz Ullah [email protected]
Abstract: Leucaena leucocephala is
a new introduction into Pakistan, as a fast growing tree with many properties
of economic importance. In this it was decided to produce some mutants of the
species with the help of X-rays radiations, with the object that, (a) any of
the mutants may prove to be more suitable and useful than the original parents
and (b) the mutants thus raised may provide breeding material to the future
breeders. With this object, young seedlings, moist seeds and dry seeds of the
species were subjected to the X-rays treatment. The young seedlings died after
the treatment, the moist seeds failed to germinate; in both these cases X-rays
were lethal enough to cause the death. However, in the third lot where
treatment was given to the dry seeds 61% of the seeds germinated, but only 36%
finally survived. The surviving 36% exhibited certain morphological anatomical
and physiological variations, indicating occurrence of some degree mutation of
their genetic material. If these mutants survived, then, in the year to come
more variation will appear in them as they will reach maturity. At this stage,
it will be quite premature to speculate about their values of economic
importance and usefulness, except that they may probably provide genetic
material to any of the interested plant breeders in future.
[Riaz
Ullah. Influence of X-rays on Leucaena lecocephala L. Life Sci J 2013;10(1):2712-2715]
(ISSN:1097-8135).http://www.lifesciencesite.com.
Keywords: Gene mutation, X-rays, Leucaena leucocephala.
