PLANT HEIGHT REDUCTION IN POPULATIONS OF TRITICALE (X-TRITICOSECALE WITTMACK) BY INDUCED MUTATIONS AND ARTIFICIAL CROSSES

Induced mutations by gamma radiation (0, 5, 10, 20 and 40 kR doses) an d reciprocal crosses were tested as mechanisms of enhancing genetic va riability for plant height in two triticale cultivars, BR4 and EMBRAPA 18. The reciprocal crosses and all doses of radiation showed similar I ncrease in genetic amplitude for this trait, being suitable for increa sing variability in breeding programs. Genotypes showed different resp onses as the gamma ray doses were increased, expressing shorter plant height. The decision of using induced mutations or artificial crosses depends on the resources available and the selection method to be used .