Detection of gamma rays effects in maize by biochemical genetic analyses

The agronomic and molecular effects on grains irradiated with 100, 150 and 200Gy of gamma rays were studied on both M1 plants and seedlings grown fromembryo culture of four maize inbred lines [Zea mays L.] G4, G221D, G307A andRg 11. Results showed significant effects on plant height [G221D and Rg 11],days from planting to 50% pollen shedden [G4, G221D and G307A], days fromplanting to 50% silking in the four inbreds, and grain yield per plant [G221Dand Rg 11]. Electrophoretic analysis was performed for water soluble proteinsof seedlings and calli resulting from the irradiated grain embryos of thethree maize inbreds G4, G307A and Rg 11. The effect of irradiation at theprotein level [albumin and globulin] varied considerably, where some new bandsappeared while others disappeared; this can be used as molecular geneticmarkers related to irradiation doses