Useful X-Ray Mutations in Plants

Abstract

EVER since the discovery of the effect of ionizing radiations on genetic material it has often been questioned whether any mutations of value to the breeder could be produced by such means. This is because there is general agreement among geneticists that individuals with rare mutant genes are usually less balanced, and hence less fit, than the mean of the population. Nevertheless it suggests at least one useful application of X-rays—the artificial production of dwarf plants. Such dwarf plants may be useful in fruit trees for precocious root-stocks; and in cherries and pears where this need has not been met from the natural material, X-rays should be the ideal tool for making them. Another useful application is the production of self-compatible plants as explained below.