Effect of High Concentration of Phosphorus-32 on Growth of the Potato

Abstract

STUDIES of the use of phosphorus-32 for the production of somatic mutations in the potato require a knowledge of the amount of active material which, as part of the nutrient solution, would produce toxic effects at the growing points. Further, the concentration of phosphorus-32 in the growing point must be known if an estimate is to be made of the radiation dose received. A knowledge of the dose received is essential in order to make comparisons of the effects produced with those resulting from similar doses of other types of ionizing radiation. In this communication, experiments with phosphorus-32 on three varieties of potato (Gladstone, Edzell Blue and Arran Pilot) are described.