[Objective] This study aimed to investigate the mutagenic effect of 60 Co γ-rays irradiation on turf characteristics of Buchloe dactyloides （Nutt.） Engelm. [Method] Buffalo grass were irradiated with 60 Co γ-rays at five different radiation intensities （1 200, 1 400, 1 600, 1 800, 2 000 Gy） to determine the related turf characteristics and analyze the mutagenic effect of 60 Co γ-rays at different radiation intensities on buffalo grass. [Result] Germination rates of buffalo grass irradiated by different radiation intensities of 60 Co γ-rays varied inconsistently, and the root length and bud length were shorter than the control; compared with the control, the height of irradiated seedlings was significantly reduced, and the number of tillers, plant height, leaf length and leaf blade width were smaller than the control; however, the stolon length, stolon diameter and number of stolon nods had no significant difference compared with the control. [Conclusion] This study laid foundation for determining the appropriate radiation intensity of 60 Co γ-rays and selecting useful mutants of buffalo grass.
