On the interrelation between heat and storage in modification of X-ray injury to Crepis seeds

Abstract

A study on Crepis capillaris seeds was performed in order to extend information on the influence of heat and post-irradiation storage on X-ray (X) injury to chromosomes. Dry seeds (6% water content) were treated as follows: X, X+storage, X+heat, X+heat+storage, X+storage + heat, all with one week storage. Similar treatments were applied to seeds heated immediately before irradiation. X-rays were given to the seeds over a wide range of doses. The dry heat treatment consisted of a 30-min exposure of seeds to 100°C. Radiation and combined treatment effects were measured cytologically. It has been demonstrated that heating prior to irradiation brings about a reduction in aberration yield and eliminates a storage effect. Heating seeds immediately after irradiation results in enhanced damage. Similar enhancement is obtained when heat is applied at the end of the storage period. Storage of post-heated seeds results in some recovery from damage. Double heat treatment causes some additional injury as compared with a single pre-heat, the effect being apparent at high X-ray dosages. The interrelation of heat and storage in the modification of radiation-induced damage to seeds is discussed.