Wheat Ripened By Atom In 64 Days
ROME. August 8. Italian scientists have used atomic energy to ripen wheat in 64 days, which is five months less than the normal time. ' One of the scientists. Dr, Nicola De Francesco, said today that he believed this was a world record. In Italy, wheat is normally sown in November or December and harvested in June or July. ’ The scientists have just concluded the first phase of experiments at the Rediofarm Institute of Rome.
This is a private Italian organisation founded three years ago for research into the biological effects of radiation. The scientists subjected wheat seeds to radiation and planted them out of season. They reported that the wheat, besides ripening so quickly, showed a 45 per cent, increase of grains on the ears. They named the variety obtained •Autonomy” and said it was similar te a type of wheat known in Italy as •Senator Cappelto.” They are now starting a second round of experiments to confirm their findings and obtain more data.
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Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27734, 11 August 1955, Page 13
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171Wheat Ripened By Atom In 64 Days Press, Volume XCII, Issue 27734, 11 August 1955, Page 13
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