Calluses in growth of sugar cane, variety "SP 70-1284", were radiated with a source of 60Co. The studied doses were between 10 and 80 Gy. The affectation of the Gamma radiation source 60Co in the growth of the callus and the regeneration of plants was evaluated. The results indicated that the dose that diminished the growth of callus in a value under 50% was the one of 30 Gy, and also the dose that diminished the regenerative capacity of the callus below to the 50% of the population was the one

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... of 30 Gy. The results showed that for this variety of sugar cane doses superior to 30Gy of Gamma radiations jeopardizes the growth and the later regeneration of the callus. Its application is recommended to induce genetic variability in the variety of sugar cane "SP 70-1284", as well as in programs of genetic improvement by mutations, in susceptible varieties of the sugar cane red blight (Puccinia melanocephala Syd) using calluses in growth. Key words: callus, hybrid, in vitro, improvement, rust, Saccharum sp, variability