Optimizing gamma irradiation for mutation breeding in seedless barberry (Berberis vulgaris L.): Establishing LD50 and GR50 thresholds.

Summary: Seedless barberry is a valuable plant used for food and medicine. But because it doesn't have seeds, it's very hard for scientists to breed new, improved varieties. To solve this problem, researchers used gamma radiation on plant cuttings to create helpful genetic changes (called mutations). They tested different radiation levels from 0 to 100 to find the perfect amount that changes the plant's genes without killing it. They discovered that a low dose of 15 works best for plants grown in soil, and a dose of 10 is perfect for plants grown in a lab. This discovery will help farmers grow better, stronger barberry plants in the future!