INDUCTION OF PLANT TUMORS BY ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION

Abstract
Tumors can be induced in gametophytes of Pteridium aquilinum by exposing the dormant spores to ultraviolet radiations prior to germination. The tumor frequency increases linearly with dosage up to the level at which general viability of the spores is significantly affected. These ultraviolet-induced tumors are in every way comparable to spontaneously occurring ones and to those induced by ionizing radiations.