Abstract Detail

Stress Tolerance

Srivastava, Preeti [1], Kumar, Girjesh [2].

Gamma Rays induced Modification of Quantitative and Qualitative Characteristics of Safflower Oil.

Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) is a multipurpose oleaginous crop cultivated mainly for production of high quality edible oil rich in protein and polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA). Research work on safflower is on the bloom due to its property of reducing cholesterol level in the blood. It is also referred as the future protein factory, utilized in the production of insulin. A combination of a number of capitulum/plant, capitulum diameter, number of seeds/capitulum and 100 seed weight constitute the most desirable plant type characters in safflower. However strong negative correlation exists between these traits. It is a major drawback in the improvement of safflower. During the present investigation an attempt has been made to change the magnitude and direction of such negative correlation through induced mutagenesis via the application of 150Gy dose of gamma radiation. Approximately ten plants were isolated that were found to have increased plant height, number of capitulum/plant, capitulum diameter, number of seeds/capitulum and 100 seed weight. Although these negative correlations could not be alleviated, but some positive changes due to mutation depending upon genetic architecture of trait, mutagen and genotype could be made. Biochemical analysis of such mutants obtained revealed increased oil and fatty acid content without affecting much of the protein content (another negatively associated trait) as compared to untreated set in safflower. Therefore we can use this dose safely for improving the combination of high quality oil with specific fatty acids to be used for food and non-food applications.

Broader Impacts:

1 - University of Allahabad, Department of Botany, Allahabad, UP, 211002, INDIA
2 - University of Allahabad, Department of Botany, Allahabad, U.P., 211006, INDIA

Keywords:
Safflower
induced mutagenesis
gamma rays
oil content
protein content.

Presentation Type: Poster:Posters for Topics
Session: P
Location: Hall A/Convention Center
Date: Monday, August 2nd, 2010
Time: 5:30 PM
Number: PST001
Abstract ID:288