Morphological and Phenotypic Effects of Fast Neutron Irradiation (FNI) on Lagos Spinach (<i>Celosia argentea</i> L.)

Abstract

Abstract:Fast neutrons irradiation is a valuable tool for developing varieties with high agricultural potentials and economic values. Therefore, the research was carried to evaluate effects of fast neutron irradiation on the morphology and phenotype of Lagos spinach, with the aim of inducing useful agronomical traits for selection of desirable genotypes that could be used for large scale production. The Celosia argentia (Red accession) that were used for the experiment were obtained from local farmers in Kwara State. A total of five groups containing 250 healthy dry seeds of C. argentea were selected and exposed to fast neutron irradiation from Americium-Beryllium sources ( 241 Am/Be), of flux density 1.5 × 10 4 n.cm -2 S -1 for different time regimes (30, 60, 90 and 120 mins). A non-irradiated group was termed as control. The seeds were plated in the laboratory for germination study and in experimental pots arranged in randomized completely block design (RCBD) in the garden. Each treatment was replicated five times. Results of morphological estimate showed that with the exception of plant height at 2 week after thinning (WAT), significant (P≤0.05) highest ranged of plant height (19.54 -77.48cm), stem diameter (7.00 -9.64 cm), number of leaves (46.40 -77.40) and leaf area (32.17 -40.83 cm 2 ) were record in 60 minutes irradiated seed plants throughout the experimental period. The least values were obtained in the control plant. Adaptability of the mutant resulted in higher spike production parameters in M 2 compared to M 1 . Phenotypic expression of the mutant leaves revealed different forms of aberrations ranging from invagination of leaf apex, dented edges, wrinkle shapes and leaf chlorosis. C. argentea being an edible leafy vegetable with significant improvement in the morphological leafy parameters for all the irradiated plants indicated that, FNI is a good tool for improvement in Lagos spinach with best irradiation dosage being 60 minutes of exposure.