THE EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION ON PLANTS WHAT

WHAT IS IONIZING RADIATION? ? ? Radiation in the ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma wavelengths

Ionizing radiation is a naturally occurring force. Every day the Earth is bombarded

Studies have shown that many plants or seeds can be exposed to radiation

The radiosensitivities of different plants vary very greatly. In plant cells, the nucleus

There was a direct relationship between the radiosentivity of a herbaceous plant and

IMPROVED QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF CROPS Achieved important desirable properties include: improved lodging resistance.

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DELETERIOUS MUTATION INCLUDE death in the embryonic state. inability to reproduce.

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THE EFFECTS OF IONIZING RADIATION ON PLANTS

WHAT IS IONIZING RADIATION? ? ? Radiation in the ultraviolet, x-ray and gamma wavelengths causes the atomic bonds of molecules to break down and release electrons. The release of electrons from the molecule causes a change in molecular charge, creating ions. This is ionizing radiation.

Ionizing radiation is a naturally occurring force. Every day the Earth is bombarded with radiation from the sun and the cosmic wind. Much of the harmful ionizing radiation from the sun is blocked by the atmosphere and the Earth's magnetosphere After the end of the Second World War, research on the effects of ionizing radiation on plants life began to attract general interest and systematic work of botanists

Studies have shown that many plants or seeds can be exposed to radiation of different types at various intensities and that appreciable doses can either inhibit growth or kill the plant completely. Some of the effects of ionizing radiation on plants include genetic damage, cell death and mutation. Seeds and younger plants are more susceptible to damage from radiation.

The radiosensitivities of different plants vary very greatly. In plant cells, the nucleus is considered the principal site of damage by ionizing radiation.

There was a direct relationship between the radiosentivity of a herbaceous plant and the average volume occupied by a chromosome in the cell nucleus. The larger the chromosome volume, the more sensitive is the plant and, hence, the smaller the radiation dose required either to kill the plant or to cause a certain degree of damage.

IMPROVED QUALITY AND QUANTITY OF CROPS Achieved important desirable properties include: improved lodging resistance. changed maturing times. increased disease resistance. increased yields. Improved agronomic characters improved seed characteristics

HARMFUL EFFECTS OF DELETERIOUS MUTATION INCLUDE death in the embryonic state. inability to reproduce. Increased susceptibility to disease. decrease in life expectancy.