Construction of radiation induced mutant population in Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum

In this study, Greek oregano (Origanum vulgare ssp. hirtum) seeds were exposed to ⁶⁰Co-γ -ray radiation to generate a mutant population for mutant screening with elite traits. The results showed that, with increasing dosage of radiation, the germination rate and germination potential of oregano seeds significantly decreased, and exposure to radiation dosages of 400 Gy or higher led to radical growth stagnation with seedling non-survival. A total of 8 170 M₁ mutants were obtained at radiation dosages of 100～200 Gy. In comparison with the phenotypic traits of untreated control plants in the field, a group of mutants with tall plant height, short internode length, multiple shoot numbers, large leaf size, and varied leaf and flower colors were obtained, thus providing a foundation for breeding new, high-yield, and high-quality oregano varieties.