Effect of low doses of gamma irradiation on in vitro growth of grapevine

Shoot tips and single node explants of two rootstocks (R.99 and 3309) and two varieties (‘Helwani’ and ‘Cabernet Franc’) of grapevine cultured on DSD1 media for a period of 60 days, were irradiated with 0, 2, 5 and 7 Gy doses of gamma irradiation. Shoot length of ‘Helwani’ and ‘Cabernet Franc’ was increased by 7 Gy irradiation. The 5 Gy dose increased the number of roots in plants of the two rootstocks and ‘Helwani’. Root length of ‘Helwani’ and ‘Cabernet Franc’ at the 2 and 7 Gy doses were significantly higher than those of the non-irradiated control. A similar effect was noticed on R.99 rootstock subjected to 5 Gy. Five Gy also increased the dry weight of the R.99 rootstock, whereas 2 and 7 Gy had a similar effect on ‘Helwani’ and ‘Cabernet Franc’. Number of leaves of plants exposed to 5 and 7 Gy was increased when compared with the non-irradiated control.