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Effects of low doses of gamma radiation on the growth and yield of two varieties of tomato

Journal Article · · Radiat. Bot., v. 13, no. 6, pp. 309-314

Seeds and 12-day old seedlings of both tall and dwarf varieties of tomato (Lycopersicon esculentum) were exposed to gamma radiation (250 to 2000 R) from a /sup 137/Cs source and then grown under greenhouse conditions. Doses between 500 and 1000 R caused a significant increase in the weight of fruit yield of the two varieties. On the whole, the tall variety showed a greater degree of sensitivity to gamma radiation than did the dwarf variety. Irradiating dry seeds of the tall variety with doses of 250 to 1000 R caused early ripening of fruits manifested by pronounced increases in the number and weight of ripe fruits over the controls. The effect of radiation on the dry weight of 8-week old plants and the oxygen uptake by germinating seeds was similar to the response of fruit yield of plants derived from irradiated seeds. (auth)

Research Organization:
Bayerische Landersanstalt fuer Bodenkultur, Pflanzenbau und Pflanzenschultz, Munich
NSA Number:
NSA-29-027027
OSTI ID:
4338518
Journal Information:
Radiat. Bot., v. 13, no. 6, pp. 309-314, Journal Name: Radiat. Bot., v. 13, no. 6, pp. 309-314; ISSN RABOA
Country of Publication:
United Kingdom
Language:
English