Cytological Effects of Single and Combined Treatments with X-rays, IAA and GA₃ in Allium cepa

Abstract

Treatments with IAA and GA₃ singly and especially after x-irradiation produced significant reduction in mitotic index in root meristem of Allium cepa.
Pre-and post-irradiation treatments with IAA and GA₃ also showed significant reduction in x-ray-induced chromosomal aberrations. The percentage of protection ranged from 18-55 with IAA and 14-53 with GA₃. These growth hormones were considered to have reduced aberrant cells by providing protection against initial radiation damage and also by stimulating restitution presumably by affecting DNA synthesis and also by stimulating protein synthesis respectively.