CUMULATIVE RADIATION EFFECTS ON SEXUAL REPRODUCTION IN PINE AND OAK

Trees in a natural pitch pine-oak forest have been exposed to varying amounts of low-level chronic gamma radiation for several years. Responses range from lethality to minute morphological changes, depending upon dose rate and species. The cumulative effects of low-level chronic gamma radiation on male and female flowers. pollen production. pollen germination and development of seedlings from seeds of irridiated mother trees are described. (C.H.)