Effect of Rest Period on Germination of the Common Reed Seeds from the Water Bodies of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone

Abstract

Effects of chronic irradiation by low doses of ionizing radiation on viability of the common reed Phragmites australis (Pocaea) from the water bodies of the Chernobyl Exclusion Zone were studied. Indexes of germinating capacity, germinative energy, viability of seedlings and survival rate of seeds depending on radiation dose were determined. Effect of the "rest period" was revealed, that is increase on average by 20-25% of germinating capacity and viability of seedlings of the plants, growing under chronic irradiation, after 6-7 months of rest under absence of irradiation. Reliable correlation was stated between physiological state of the reed seeds and absorbed dose rate of the parental plant.