Observation on the growth response of beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) to chronic gamma radiation

Abstract

An experiment was conducted to study the growth response of bean plants (Phaseolus vulgaris L) irradiated with chronic radiation throughout their life span. Several important developmental stages were chosen as criteria to study the effects: seedling stage, development of compound leaves, appearance of flower buds, pod development, and seed production. It was found that these five stages were severely damaged by a daily chronic radiation dose of 600, 337, 140, 94, and 72 r, respectively. The bean plants exposed to 72 r per day did not produce seeds and could not complete their life cycle.