Optimization of gamma ray irradiation dose on strawberry plantlets

Abstract

Abstract As a commodity that is cultivated vegetatively, strawberries have a relatively low genetic diversity. One effort to increase the diversity of strawberries and genetic quality improvement can be made by using gamma-ray radiation. In vitro explant of strawberry cv Early Bright were radiated with Gamma-ray P3TIR BATAN facility. Starting with a radiosensitivity test to find out Lethal Dose (LD) 50 with dosage level; 5, 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 125, 150, 175, and 200 Gy. LD50 observations were carried out to get the optimal dose. The treatment of several doses of gamma-ray radiation showed varied results, with the percentage of explants living decrease by increasing the dose of irradiation. Irradiation dose until 10 Gy did not affect the survival rate of explant—the treatment dose of 80 Gy and above causes 100% mortality on the final observation. The dose of 60 Gy had a significant effect on shoot growth, as indicated by curly leaves' growth. The next optimal dose recommended for radiation is set at 20 and 30 Gy to anticipate genetic changes that are not morphologically expressed and to avoid the negative effects of morphological changes.