Determination of Gamma Rays Efficiency Against Rhizoctonia solani in Potatoes

Abstract

AbstractThere are many diseases in potatoes that cause loss of quality and yield in the world. One of them is the Rhizoctonia stem canker and black scurf of potato caused by Rhizoctonia solani (telemorph: Thanetephorus cucumeris). Disease resistant plants can be generated by irradiated application. By irradiating the plant explants, some radicals and biochemical compounds can be generated in cells. In this study, in-vitro cultured expiants from potato cv. Alonso were irradiated with gamma rays with five different doses (22, 33, 54, 57 and 109 Gy). After four sub-cultures in MS media, irradiated plants were inoculated with Rhizoctonia solani and potato plants were cultured at 24 ± 1°C in climate room conditions. The survival rates of the plants were determined after 15 days. Some parameters such as plant size, leaf number and number of plant nodes were recorded and compared with control groups. The highest survival rate of the plants (42%) was determined at 22 Gy and 109 Gy doses (42%) and the lowest survival rate of plants (20%) was determined in the positive control group (P<0.05). The highest number of plant nodes and number of leafs were determined at 54 Gy doses and maximum plant size was determined at 109 Gy doses.