Division of Botany, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi
*Presently Oilseed Specialist, Orissa Government. New Capital, Orissa.
A preliminary study has been made of the effects of radiophosphorus and radio-sulphur on growth and morphological characters, somatic cell division, and pollen and seed fertility in paddy and wheat amongst cereals and Vicia, Guar, Cowpea, Berseem and Red clover in legumes. The biological effects of tracer dosages of radioactive isotopes in paddy and wheat indicated that even the so-called tracer dosages have effects on cell division. In the legumes, Vicia faba was found to be more radiosensitive than others and amongst cereals, wheat was found to be more susceptible to beta-radiation than paddy. The factors contributing to such differential radiosensitivity are discussed.
