Effect of colchicines and 60Co-γ-rays on germination of Cleistogenes songorica seeds

This experiment systematically analyzed germination percentage, germination index and seedlings growth of Cleistogenes songorica with different doses of colchicine's and 60Co-γ-rays treatments. The results showed that colchicine had certain degree of inhibition on seed germination of C. songorica. With the treatment of 0.1% colchicine solution for 48 h, the germination percentage and germination index were 54.3% and 43.3% of the control which were 41% and 0.55, respectively. However, the effects of 60Co-γ-rays on germination percentage, germination index and the growth of seedlings varied with does. Low doses(50~200 Gy)increased germination percentage and germination index whereas high doses(400~2 000 Gy)inhibited the germination percentage, germination index and seedling growth. The germination percentage was 48.5% under the treatment of 600 Gy. The present study preliminary determined the semi-lethal dose treatment was 0.1% colchicine solution for 48 h and 600 Gy 60Co-γ-rays, respectively, which provided a theoretical basis for the innovation of germplasm resources in C. songorica.