EFFECTS OF FALLOUT RADIATION ON AGRICULTURE.
Abstract
Feeding of 90Y-labeled sand (88 to 176 microns) at 2 or more mCi/kg of body weight to sheep caused anorexia, pyrexia and diarrhea. Weight losses of 450 g daily for over 3 weeks represents a considerable loss of productivity. This period of weight loss is accompanied by an apparent zinc deficiency. One sheep died after losing 45% of his body weight in 52 days. Most of the damage in animals sacrificed was found in the rumen and abomasum. Corn productivity sensitivity to 60Co gamma irradiation has been initiated in corn, soybeans, and rice at different stages after seedling emergence. Studies on radiation sensitivity of seedlings of oats, barley, and wheat have also been initiated. Corn exposed at 20 to 48 days after emergence produced no grain, but plants exposed after fertilization produced some grain. Seedlings irradiated by 900 to 1600 R to below ground growing points produced only 50% as much grain as controls. Irradiation of early bloom-stage soybeans at 2000 R reduced grain yield by 50% and no yield was obtained at 3000 R. Equivalent exposures applied at late bloom resulted in lesser yield reduction. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 31, 1968
- Accession Number
- AD0689514
Entities
People
- E. G. Siemer
- L. B. Sasser
- M. C. Bell
- M. J. Constantin