III. Genetic Effects of Radiation on Higher Plants

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Abstract
Chromosomal alterations in plants are readily induced with radiations and may be categorized on the basis of hereditary variations into four principal types gene mutations, chromosome alterations, changes in chromosome number, and cytoplasmic mutations. Factors important in the radiation response of plants are the stage of nuclear cycle, water content or physiological state, storage of irradiated seed, age, chemical treatment, kind of radiation and dosage rate, temperature and atmosphere. Induced mutation methods should be regarded as adjuncts to already proven conventional methods, not as substitutes. Their greatest potential value seems to be in accelerating the breeding work in desirable crop varieties or for producing variability to use in breeding plants where variability is limited, unknown, or difficult to use.

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