The influence of seed treatment with gamma radiation on plant yield

The effect of seed irradiation with γ-rays on the yield of plants has been examined for the following species: Spring barley, spring and winter wheat, winter rye, maize, fodder pea, white mustard, fodder beet, and radish. Cobalt-60 was used as the source of radiation, with doses varying from 10 to 20,000 rads.

The experiments were run either as pot or as field experiments, with varying growing periods up to maturity. The experimental data included germination percentage and yield of dry matter, as well as other plant characters, e.g. plant height and number of leaves per plant. The dry-matter production of roots was determined in a number of experiments.

No increase in yield or in any other character measured could be demonstrated at any of the doses employed, while the higher doses often resulted in yield depression.