THE EFFECT OF CESIUM 137 RADIATION ON PLANT GROWTH AND FLOWER COLOR OF GREENHOUSE CHRYSANTHEMUM VARIETIES

Journal Article · Fri Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1963 · Canadian Journal of Genetics and Cytology (Canada)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1139/g63-011· OSTI ID:4692229

Weaver, G M

Chronic exposure of pink, white, yellow and bronze color representatives of the Indianapolis Series of chrysanthemums resulted in growth stimulation at dose rates from 1.9 to 5.7 roentgens per hour. The frequency and direction of color changes following irradiation provide evidence for the genetic nature of the chimeral tissue relationship in pink, white and bronze flowers. The process of widespread natural sporting is interpreted as being the result of infrequent cell substitutions between tunica layers through periclinal divisions and substitutions between the corpus and tunica in genetically heterogeneous varieties. Radiation induced color sports may arise either through cell substitution into damaged areas as in the color changes from pink to bronze, or through mass destruction of the tunica layers in the apical meristem, as in the color changes from pink to white, yellow and cream. The second contribute to an unfavorable environment for the selection of useful mutations in seed propagated species. In contrast, these same effects on clonally propagated species would be useful in revealing latent internal genetic diversity. The altered chimera might then be of sufficient value as an improved variety or as a parent in further breeding. (auth)

• Research Organization: Canada Dept. of Agriculture, Harrow, Ont.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-17-023112
• OSTI ID: 4692229
• Journal Information: Canadian Journal of Genetics and Cytology (Canada), Journal Name: Canadian Journal of Genetics and Cytology (Canada) Vol. Vol: 5; ISSN CNJGA
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

BIOCHEMISTRY
BIOLOGY
BIOLOGY AND MEDICINE
CESIUM 137
COLOR
GENETICS
MUTATIONS
PLANTS
RADIATION DOSES
RADIATION EFFECTS
RADIOSENSITIVITY
TISSUES
VARIATIONS