Analysis of Gamma Irradiated Potato Genotypes Based on Selected Agronomic Traits

The morphological traits of induced potato plants established from irradiated microtubers with Co60 gamma rays led to the identification of solid mutants with linear leaf shape and various chimerical mutants at the M1V1 stage. Potato breeding requires genetic variation of useful traits for crop improvement. The use of induced mutations is highly effective in enhancing genetic variability. The objectives of the study were to determine dose of mutagen and effects of induced mutation on morphological traits in potato. The study involved potato clones; Kenya Sherekea, Kenya Mpya and Asante (M1V0) improved varieties as parents. Populations of 300 potato mutants were developed by irradiation of microtubers with different dose rates (0, 3, 5, 6, 9, 10, 12, 15, 20 and 30 Gray (Gy)) of gamma rays of Co60 source at Seiberdorf laboratories in Vienna, Austria. The microtubers M1V0, M1V1, M1V2 and M1V3 were established at the University of Eldoret Greenhouse. Data collected on morphology observed was computed using SAS and means separated using Fisher’s protected LSD at 95% significant level. The morphological traits results showed that, there were significant difference in genotypes and dose of mutagen at p≤0.05 for most traits studied. Exposure to higher doses of gamma irradiation (20 and 30 Gy) had significant influence (p≤0.05) on the stem number, number and weight of tubers. This suggest that mutation induction generates genetic variations from which desired mutants may be selected based on the needs and preferences and further assist breeders in developing appropriate breeding strategies to decipher potato production constraints.