ABSTRACT
The combination of gamma-ray irradiation treatment and somaclonal variation may cause morphological changes in vitro culture of rodent tuber. In vitro shoots were irradiated with several gamma-ray doses. Rodent tuber plantlets were irradiated with the doses of 20 Gy. The plantlets were subcultured up to 5 times then produced MV1 to MV5. Plantlets MV4 and MV5 were acclimatized and transplanted at the greenhouse. The purpose of this study was to analyze the morphological characteristics in the fourth mutant vegetative propagation (MV4) and the fifth mutant vegetative propagation (MV5) of rodent tuber from the combination of gamma-ray irradiation and somaclonal variation. Subcultures were performed to regenerate from MV1 to MV5 with optimal MS (Murashige & Skoog) medium. Subcultures were done at eight weeks. The morphological measurement in MV4 with the average number of shoots, number of leaves and plant height, i.e. 5.21, 14.41 and 5.52 cm, respectively. The highest average number of shoots, number of leaves and plant height was generated in MV5, i.e. 5.23, 16.54 and 5.18 cm, respectively. Pre-acclimatization were successfully produced in the greenhouse of about 30% (MV4) and 39.5% (MV5). Post acclimatization was obtained 100% in control, MV4, and MV5 at the greenhouse. MV5 had better morphological characteristics. The morphological changes were occurring in MV4 and MV5 compared with controls due to the combination of gamma-ray irradiation and somaclonal variation.
