Radiation-induced mutations from accessory buds of sweet cherry, Prunus avium L. cv ‘Bing’

Abstract

 Dormant scions of ‘Bing’ were exposed to 1–2.5 krad of gamma radiation in order to induce useful mutations. The main buds were excised and the scions grafted to allow the growth of accessory buds into primary (V1) shoots. The frequency and types of mutations on secondary (V2) populations are described. In a population of 3324 V2 shoots, the overall mutation frequency was 6.4%: 4.2% partial, 1.6% total and 0.3% growth-reduced mutants were identified. The experiment was repeated using 3 krad- and 4 krad-fractionated doses in water. Differences in mutation frequency at 3 krad and 4 krad were not significant. Of 2562 surviving V2 shoots derived from the irradiation of accessory buds of both standard and V1 shoots, the overall mutation frequency was 3.3%: 1.7% were partial-leaf mutants, 1.0% were total-leaf mutants, and 0.54% were growth-reduced mutants. For maximum mutation rate with adequate survival we suggest acute irradiation of accessory buds in air at dosages approximating LD₅₀ (2.75–3 krad). A larger mutant sector was present in V₁ shoots derived from accessory buds than those from main buds as revealed by the higher number of total mutant repeats in the families.