Developing Genetic Variability of Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) with Gamma Radiation for Use in Breeding Programs

• Published in: American journal of plant sciences Vol. 4; no. 2; pp. 349 - 355
• Main Authors: Gomez-Pando, Luz Rayda, la Barra, Ana Eguiluz-de
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: 01.02.2013
• Subjects: Chenopodium quinoa; Chlorine
• ISSN: 2158-2742; 2158-2750
• DOI: 10.4236/ajps.2013.42046

Quinoa (Chenopodium quinoa Willd.) is a staple food produced mainly by small-scale subsistence farmers in Peru's highland. Dry seeds (cv. Pasankalla) were irradiated with doses of 150 Gy, 250 Gy and 350 Gy. In the M sub( 1) generation, the germination process was delayed with increasing radiation dose; seedling height, root length and leaf development were most reduced at 250 Gy and at 350 Gy, no plants survived. In M sub( 2), the maximum spectrum of chlorophyll mutations corresponded to 150 Gy and the maximum frequency to 250 Gy. The chlorine mutation was predominant, followed by xantha. Changes were registered for branch number, pedicel length, plant height, life-cycle duration, stem and foliage colour, and leaf morphology at the two doses, with improvements in plant type. More than one mutation per plant was found, especially at 250 Gy. In M3, the same spectrum of mutations was observed, along with a valuable change in grain colour.