. SOME PHYSIOLOGICAL EFFECTS OF GAMMA RADIATION ON LUPINUS TERMIS SEEDLINGS

Abstract

In this investigation the effect of gamma-irradiatiort on germination and seedling growth, endogenous growth regulators, carbohydrates, nitrogenous constituents, nucleic acids and the activity of certain enzymes in the extracts of Lupinus termis seedlings throughout an experimental period of 15 days of germination was studied. The results can be summarised in the following:

1. It was found that, the highest dose of gamma rays

(100000 r.) induced high significant decrease in the % germination of Lupinus termis seeds. The lowest dose (500 r.) induced highly significant increase in this parameter. \

2. The high dose of gamma ray (100 000 r.) induced highly significant decreases in most of the growth parameters of Lupinus termis seedlings including: radicle and plumule lengths, fresh and dry weights and the number of lateral roots of the seedlings. Whereas, the lowest concentration increased significantly these characters.