The effects of 137Cs gamma-rays irradiation on upland cotton pollen and M1(F1M1)generation

The radiation effects of upland cotton pollen irradiated by 137Cs gamma-rays were studied with Zhemian 9 and Zhe 102 as the research materials. The results are as follows: 1. There were significant negative correlation between radiation dosage and the vitality of upland cotton pollen with the correlation coefficient of -0.9545∼-0.9785. The half-lethal dosage with pollen of Zhemian 9 and Zhe 102 was 5.50 Gy and 4.69 Gy, respectively. 2. The emergence and growth of seedlings of M1 and F1M1 generations from the pollen irradiated with dosage of more than 7.51 Gy were all significantly retarded. The induced-aberration effects varied with varieties. 3. All irradiation dosage inhibited yield and fiber qualities except 1.88 Gy. The inhibition effects of irradiation on yield components of M1 and F1M1 generations from irradiated pollen were greater than those on fiber qualities, especially on lint percentage and weight per boll. The protein content of cotton seed kernal of M1 and F1M1 generations increased with the rising of irradiation dosage, while the oil content decreased. 4. The radiosensitivity of F1M1 was higher than that of M1. It is suggested that the suitable dosage in cotton breeding should be less than 4.79 Gy