Radiosensitivity of Seeds I. Reduction or Stimulation of Seedling Growth as a Function of Gamma-Ray Dose'

Dormant seeds of one or more varieties of l2 species, totaling 15 tests, were irradiated with Co/sup 60/ gamma rays over a wide range of doses. Treatments were randomized and replicated, with growth of first true leaf under greenhouse conditions as the criterion of radiation effect. About 40,000 seedlings were measured individually to the nearest millimeter. Statistical analysis delineated the doses between which seedling growth fell significantly below that of untreated controls. In the case of one wheat variety, there was apparent stimulation by the lowest three doees of radiation. Further tests are in progress. (auth)