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Use of Radioactive Phosphorus in Plant Nutritional Studies

Abstract

THE majority of investigators who have used radioactive isotopes in experiments with plants have satisfied themselves that the likelihood of radiation damage is negligible at the concentrations necessary for tracer investigations1,2,3. It appears, however, that little detailed research on this question has been undertaken. Since even a small degree of radiation damage could vitiate the results of a plant physiological study, it seemed to us essential that as a preliminary to a programme of tracer investigations we should attempt to define the limits of possible damage. The work is still at an early stage ; but, as some of the results have a direct bearing on the general design and planning of tracer experiments, it appears desirable to publish a preliminary report.

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Russell, R., Martin, R. Use of Radioactive Phosphorus in Plant Nutritional Studies. Nature 163, 71–72 (1949). https://doi.org/10.1038/163071a0

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