Some synergetic bioeffects of gamma radiation and magnetic field

Gladiolus (Gladiolus sp.) is one of the most widespread flower cultures. Experimental mutagenesis permits to increase possibilities of creation of new starting material with high ornamentation qualities. There are many studies concerning the effect of gamma radiation on ornamental plants but a few is know about the synergetic effect of gamma radiation and magnetic fields exposure on Gladiolus. In our investigation we have tested the effect of gamma irradiation and magnetic field exposure of gladiolus corm and cormels of the cultivars: Green woodpecker, Priscilla and the hybrid H 260/4. The corms and cormels were irradiated for 72 h with 137 Cs gamma source in a cylindrical exposure geometry. On average a dose of about 1Gy was built up by each corm and cormel. For each variety we used 10 corm and 30 cormels in five variants: - V1, gamma radiation (1Gy); - V2, gamma radiation plus 3 Gauss magnetic field; -V3, 3 Gauss magnetic field; -V4, 0 Gauss magnetic field;- V5, control in natural magnetic field (0.5 Gauss). The behaviour of various varieties was evaluated by recording the following quantities: length of roots, period of rise, blooming time, the plant height spike, the spike length, number of cormels and color of florets. From the results statistical average was calculated. A significant effect was obtained in V2, at an irradiation with 1Gy gamma radiation under a 3 Gauss magnetic field. In this case the major parts of the recorded characteristics were increased. Also for the variants V1 and V3 a stimulation was obtained. The studied synergetic effect of gamma radiation and magnetic field will be used in floriculture for improving the culture technology of the ornamental plants or in future breeding programs. (authors)