Abstract
Stimulatory effects of ionizing radiations were investigated with X-rays in seeds ( Helianthus, Fagopyrum), plants ( Fagopyrum) and leaf disks ( Nicotiana and Phaseolus). About 1,600 plants and over 400 leaf disks were employed and over 28,000 individual measurements were made. Small but significant growth increases were produced in certain instances but such results were not always reproducible from one experiment to another. Also, when increases did occur, they were not always produced by the same exposure levels. On the basis of these results—the great variability associated with the appearance of positive stimulatory effects and the relatively small increases that are produced—it is doubtful that ionizing radiations, except for genetic and plant-breeding applications, are likely to become useful in increasing agricultural crop yields on a commercial scale. Some of the data obtained in these experiments suggest that low exposures of radiation may result in depression of growth of dividing cells, but stimulation of growth of expanding cells.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
