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Proceedings Papers

Effects of Low Dose Chronic Radiation and Heavy Metals on Plants and Their Fungal and Virus Infections

Authors
  • A Dmitriev
  • O Shevchenko
  • V Polischuk
  • N Guscha

Abstract

The effects of low dose chronic radiation on plant disease resistance and fungal and virus infections have been studied. The results obtained in the 10-km Chernobyl zone demonstrated a decrease in plant disease resistance and appearance of a "new" population of stem rust agents of cereal with a high frequency of more virulent clones. Radionuclide contamination and heavy metals lead to wider virus spread and a higher diversity of virus species. The Chernobyl zone is a territory of enhanced risk and potential threats for the environment. A special type of monitoring of microevolution processes in plant pathogens should provide better understanding of how serious these potential threats are.
Year: 2009
Volume 8
Page/Article: PBR49-BR66
DOI: 10.2481/dsj.BR-07
Published on Jun 23, 2009
Peer Reviewed