Effects of ¹²C⁶⁺ irradiation and space mutation on seed germination, seedling growth, and chlorophyll fluorescence characteristics of Cleistogenes songorica

In this study, we systematically analyzed seed germination, seedling growth, and chlorophyll fluorescence parameters of Cleistogenes songorica under different doses of ¹²C⁶⁺ heavy ion irradiation and space mutation. The results showed that ¹²C⁶⁺ heavy ion irradiation inhibited the seed germination and seedling growth of C. songorica. The germination percentage, germination index, radicle length, and biomass were the lowest under the 300 Gy irradiation dose. Space mutation inhibited the seed germination of C. songorica but increased the biomass and plant height of the seedlings. ¹²C⁶⁺ heavy ion irradiation and space mutation affected the maximum photosynthesis ability of seedlings and reduced the rate of electron transfer. The present study provided a basis for the effective application of ¹²C⁶⁺ heavy ion irradiation and space technology to the mutagenesis breeding of C. songorica.