Cytological effects and RAPD analysis of Allium fistulosum L. irradiated by 12C6+ heavy ions

Cytological effects and RAPD analysis of root-tip cells of Allium fistulosum L., the dry seeds were irradiated by 12 C6+ heavy ions, were studied. Micronucleus and chromosomal aberration observed in the root-tip cells showed that obvious 'linear rise' trend was in the frequency of micronucleus, multi-micronucleus and total chromosomal aberration. But a 'U- formed' trend was observed only in the chromosomal aberration frequency. At the same time, RAPD analysis revealed 12C6+ heavy ions exerted great effect on DNA variation of Allium fistulosum L.. Flawing bands, increasing bands and the ones with different transport ratios were observed in amplified bands of 28 selected primers. The DNA variation rate for 30, 90 and 180Gy treatments was 29.91%, 41.05% and 22.14%, respectively. This study also found that high micronucleus frequency and chromosomal variation lead to high lethality, resulting in low DNA variation rate in the survived plants which seeds were irradiated with high doses. (authors)