POLLEN VIABILITY AND MORPHOLOGY OF SESAME (Sesamum indicum L.) AS A RESULT OF GAMMA RAY IRRADIATION

Abstract

Pest and disease attack is a limiting factor in the production of sesame ( Sesamum indicum L.). Efforts to assemble superior sesame varieties that are resistant to pests and diseases can be a solution to increase productivity. To get superior varieties can be done through mutations using gamma-ray irradiation. The problem is the mutations can affect the viability and morphology of pollen. This research aimed to determine the effect of gamma-ray irradiation doses on the viability and morphology of sesame pollen. It was conducted at Indonesian Sweetener and Fiber Crops Research Institute and Research Center for Plant Conservation and Botanic Garden-LIPI, from January to May 2019. It was arranged in completely randomized design with two factors. The first factor was the type of sesame variety (Sumberrejo 1, Winas 1, and Winas 2),, while the second factor was the dose of gamma-ray irradiation (0, 100, 200, 300, 400, and 600 Gy). The variables to be observed were the viability and morphology of pollen. The results showed that gamma-ray irradiation up to a dose of 600 Gy did not affect the morphology, but did affected the viability of sesame pollen. The viability of pollen Sumberrejo 1 and Winas 1 varieties irradiated at doses of 100-300 Gy did not change and remained high (>50%), but at doses >300 Gy, viability decreased up to 50%), tetapi pada dosis >300 Gy, viabilitas menurun hingga <50%. Pada Winas 2, viabilitas serbuk sari <10%, baik diiradiasi maupun tidak. Morfologi serbuk sari wijen varietas Sumberrejo 1, Winas 1 dan 2 memiliki karakter monad, isopolar, stephanoaperture, dengan ukuran unit yang bervariasi. Kata kunci: iradiasi, sinar gamma, serbuk sari, wijen ( Sesamum indicum L.)