Gamma radiation and plant breeding

The Radiation Breeding Laboratory of the Agricultural Technic Institute, Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries has a gamma ray field, which ranks second in the world in capacity and scale, and other gamma ray irradiation facilities. In commemoration of its 20th anniversary, the booklet described the history up to its establishment and introduced various facilities and the achievements of the laboratory. It also reviewed improved varieties produced by irradiation upon request and introduced radiation-improved varieties in Japan and abroad, characteristics of these mutation-improved varieties and irradiation methods. (Chiba, N.)