The Effect of Gamma rays on the Zingiber officinale cv. Roscoe Varieties Bentong and Tanjung Sepat based on Radiosensitivity and Cytological Analysis

Abstract

-The radiosensitivity and cytogenic analysis of two Zingiber Officinale Roscoe varieties; Bentong and Tanjung Sepat were carried out using Caesium-137 as gamma ray source. Six different doses treatment were applied as follows: 0, 5, 7, 9, 11, 13 and 15 Gray. The LD 50 (Lethal dose) value was determined based on the rhizomes survival rate. With attention to survival rate data, results indicated that the optimum doses for ginger varieties Bentong and Tanjung Sepat were 8.14 Gy and 9.38 Gy respectively. Gamma rays have reduced significantly the mean survival rate of rhizomes and this reduction was more noticed in Bentong variety. The chromosome behaviors were observed under mitotic stages. The most chromosomal aberration common anomalies observed in root tips are clumping of chromosomes, stickiness and laggards. It was noticed that increased doses level (5, 7, 9, and 11 Gy) resulted in higher occurrence of chromosomal aberrations in cells.