Evaluation of Xenia Effects and Genetical Modification (DNA) of Pistachio (Pistacia vera L.) Pollen Grain Using UV- Laser Radiation

This study was conducted to investigate the xenia effects and genetic changes caused by UV-laser irradiation on pollen grain in pistachio. A factorial experiment by factors: male parent at three levels (m1, m2 and m3). Female parent in three levels (cultivars Akbari, Kallehghochi and Owhadi) and irradiation on pollen in two levels (irradiated and non-radiated pollen) was conducted in a completely randomized design with five replications. Fruit weight (average weight of grains per spike), length and width of fruit, blank and dehiscence percent were measured. The results showed that, pollen radiation increased the fruit weight in Kallehghochi and Owhadi that crossed with male m1, As well as increased the fruit weight in Kallehghochi and Akbari in cross with male m3 but in all crossed with male m2 the fruit weight was decreased. Radiation of pollen grain increased the blank and reduced the dehiscence percent. To evaluate the effect of UV- laser mutagenesis in the genetic material of the pollen cells, DNA extracted from irradiated and non-irradiated pollen and bulks of the crosses with radiated pollen were analyzed by RAPD 10mer primers. The primers produced a total of 240 bands in 86 amplified sites, of which 76% of them were polymorphic sites. Cluster analysis showed genetic similarity range from 0.43 to 0.78. Resulting of genetic changes due to pollen cell radiation as well as the diversity between maternal parents. Irradiated and non-irradiated pollen placed in two separate groups, showed that the UV-laser radiation caused of genetic changes in the DNA of pollen.