Kalanamak cultivar of rice (Oryza sativa L.), aromatic non-basmati rice cultivated in the northeastern part of the U.P, continuously received the researchers’ attention because of its indigenous origin, nutritive values, and presence of a small genetic base. The long height of this cultivar causes crop lodging which results in a huge loss in its yield. The present work is focused to reduce the height of the cultivar and increase in yield. As the broad genetic base is a pre-requisite feature of any crop improvement program, hence, an attempt of induced mutagenesis was made using gamma radiation for genetic improvement of aforesaid indigenous rice. Seeds of Kalanamak rice were treated at different intensities of gamma radiation (100, 150, 200, 250, and 300) Gy, and the most effective dose was determined based on seed survival percentage and antioxidant enzyme activity. The dose of 150 Gy was identified as the most potent dose in the context of antioxidant enzyme activity, promotion of dwarfs, and increase in the number of tillers per plant, and grains per panicle.
Key words: Antioxidant enzymes, Gamma radiation, Mutagenesis, Plant height.
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