Inducción a la variabilidad genotípica en semillas de frejol (Phaseolus vulgaris L.), mediante la aplicación de diferentes dosis de radiación ionizante de una fuente de uranio-238

Abstract

The objective of this research work was to induce genotypic variability in bean seeds (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.), through the application of different doses of ionising radiation from a source of Uranium-238, with the aim of improving these seeds, since in Ecuador their production has been affected by phytopathogenic agents, which is why an alternative method of control is being sought. This research work began with the development of an appropriate experimental set-up for the respective irradiation of the seeds in the previously established exposure times of 10, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes, where the dose of ionising radiation emitted by the radioactive source could be determined with the help of the electret. Subsequently, the seeds were transported, germinated, and sown in order to determine the phenotypic effects they showed when subjected to ionizing radiation. It was thus obtained that the dose levels at which the seeds were irradiated were not significant enough to observe any favourable phenotypic change; it is therefore concluded that the dose depends on time and that there was no relevant genotypic variability in the bean plants (Phaseolus Vulgaris L.) until the end of their vegetative stage, and it is therefore recommended to continue with the studies and determine whether the radiation source serves to fulfil the objective.