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          Research on induced mutation techniques for ornamental
plant improvement has been carried at Gamma Irradiation Service
and Nuclear Technology Research Center (GISC) during 1998-2002
on 3 mains ornamentals namely canna, curcuma and chrysanthemum.
In addition to ornamentals, work has been carried out on the varietal
improvement of mangosteen and mungbean. The work on ornamental
improvement has been successfully achieved and mutants have been
registered and released as new varieties in canna and chrysanthemum.
Several mutants obtained in curcuma have been multiplied for further
releasing as new varieties.


2. Curcuma
          By irradiating rhizomes of curcuma varieties 'Chiang Mai Pink', 'Doi Tung Purple
Bright' and 'Bua Khao' with chronic and acute gamma rays resulted in several mutants
with variation in bract colour.