Depth Controlled Deuteron Irradiation of Lactuca sativa Seeds. I. Effects On Germination and Growth.

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Abstract
The effect of depth penetration of various doses of deuterons on lettuce seed germination and subsequent growth was investigated. Differences between irradiation of the coats and the endosperm, and of the embryo itself were found. (1) Irradiation of the coats and the endosperm, alone increased the germination of the seeds in the dark. Deeper irradiation into the embryo moderated the dose requirements for germination. (2) Root length inhibition occurred only when the embryo itself was irradiated. The energy requirement for root inhibition inversely related to depth of penetration in the embryo. With small but deeply penetrating doses, root length was inhibited without changing the germination pattern. (3) The effect of red light on germination could not be influenced by irradiation. From this it was concluded that the primary photo receptor was a relatively small molecule. (4) The deuteron induced dark-germination is not reversible by far red light. (5) A red pigment diffusing from the seedling after irradiation is described, as well as other radiation-responses.