In vitro regeneration and mutagenesis in Gerbera: Application of gamma ray for induction of variation in Gerbera jamesonii Bolus

Gerbera has gained popularity and great demand in the floral industry as cut flower due to its beauty, color, long vase life. Its propagation can be increased by applying the modern biotechnological methods such as tissue culture for rapid and large scale propagation. For a modern and industrialized horticulture there is always a demand and necessity for new varieties. Induced mutations have proven to be the most rapid, direct and cheapest approach to develop new and attractive flower or ornamental plant varieties. In total 552 mutant varieties of 40 ornamental plant species were released using various induced mutation techniques and propagation systems. This book reports about a regeneration protocol for rapid propagation of three gerbera varieties and induced mutagenesis through gamma ray in these in vitro regenerated plants. Variation has been identified in mutated plants by molecular characterization such as Isozyme analysis. This book will be very helpful for the researchers who are interested in creating new varieties using modern biotechnological techniques.