PERTUMBUHAN DAN HASIL BAWANG MERAH GENERASI M1V4 HASIL IRADIASI BEBERAPA DOSIS SINAR GAMMA

The demand for shallot in Indonesia tends to increase over time, and efforts to boost
shallot productivity continue to be pursued, including the development of new, more
productive varieties. Mutation induction can be employed to generate mutants with diverse
phenotypic traits as genetic material for plant breeding programs. Physically, mutations
can be induced using gamma rays, X-rays, beta rays, UV light, or fast neutrons, although
the use of gamma rays from Cobalt-60 radiation is the most commonly applied method in
plant breeding.
So far, studies on the variability patterns of mutant phenotypes resulting from
gamma-irradiated shallots remain very limited. This research aims to compare the growth
and yield variability of M1V4 generation mutant shallots of the Sanren variety, which were
obtained through gamma ray irradiation at different doses, and to evaluate the variability
patterns of mutant individuals at each applied dose. The study was conducted from October
2024 to January 2025 in Pagar Gunung, Kepahiang Subdistrict, Kepahiang Regency,
Bengkulu Province, at an altitude of 600 meters above sea level. The research was
arranged in a Completely Randomized Design (CRD) with three replications and gamma
irradiation dose treatments consisting of 0, 25, 50, 75, 100, and 125 Gy. Each treatment
consisted of 3 replications and was divided into 18 experimental plots, with 25 plants in
each plot, resulting in a total of 450 plants.
The results of the study showed that differences in radiation doses significantly
affected leaf size, number of leaves, and plant dry weight, although there was still variation
among individuals at each dose. Therefore, individuals showing good potential in terms of
growth and yield can be selected from the plant populations exposed to different radiation
doses.
(Agroecotechnology Study Program, Department of Agriculture Production, Faculty of
Agriculture, the University of Bengkulu, 2025)