1983 Volume 48 Issue 2 Pages 293-303
Seeds of Nigella sativa L. were irradiated with 4 Kr, 6 Kr, 8 Kr, 10 Kr, 20 Kr and 30 Kr of X-rays. Frequency of germination and rate of seedling growth have shown dose dependent decreasing trend. LD50 was found to lie between 8 Kr and 10 Kr. Chromosomal abnormalities such as fragments, diplochromosomes, ring configuration, lagging fragments with or without bridges, aneuploid cells having fragment and unequal chromosome length, univalents, multivalents, non-orientation, non-synchronous condensation, multipolarity and stickiness of chromosome were noted in post-irradiated materials. Micronuclei were also studied in interphase cells. It appears that X-rays have induced localised breakage at subterminal regions of chromosomes. Total mitotic anomalies enhanced but the frequency of dividing cells decreased with increase in the radiation doses. It appears that mitotic disturbances have affected physiological processes, Pollen sterility and meiotic anomalies have shown dose dependent increasing tendencies, thus indicating that former is an outcome of the latter.