Effect of gamma irradiations on seed germination and seedling survival of Stevia rebaudiana Bert.

Stevia rebaudiana  Stevia rebaudiana  Stevia started simultaneously 7 days after sowing. Differencesin the germination and survival percent were recorded in the first generation.High dose of Gamma irradiation increased delay in days of germinationand maturity. The germination and survival percent decreased with increasingdosage of gamma radiations. The data on days to germination, germinationpercentage and survival percentage, indicated that low dose ofgamma radiation had very less effect on germination of Stevia seeds. It wasnoticed that up to 5 to 10 KR dose there was no statistically significant differencein seed germination as compared to control. However, germinationpercentage was significantly affected by higher doses of gamma rays.seeds. The seeds were given 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30 KR(Kiloradians) exposures. Gamma irradiated seeds were treated with sodiumazide and colchicines solution for 4 h separately. Germination in control andtreated seeds of Bert. produces sweet steviol glycosides in the leaves. Currentinvestigation was carried out to study effects of gamma irradiations on