Some Results of the Experiments on a Mutagenesis of Forest Plants

Experiments on mutagenesis of Pinus silvestris L. were initiated 1979 by Professor P.l.Molotkov in the laboratory of forest relection of the Ukrainian Research Institute of Forestry and Agricultural Afforestation. The influence of gamma-rays, beta-rays and seven chemical mutagens solutions on seeds, sprout seeds, grafts, ovaries, and shoots of growing pines has been studied. In addition, the influence of the chemical mutagens solutions on seeds of 23 varieties and species (Picea, Pinus, Juniperus. Tuja, Plarycladus, Cltamaecyparis, Ginkgo, Sorghum, Amaranthus, Weigela, etc.) has been studied at the Botanical Gardens of Kharkov State University. Chemical mutagenesis appears to be a reliable method for the stimulation of seedling growth and diversity. Several ornamental varieties have been selected. Some of them have been stabilized as interesting ornamental plants (varieties albo-variegata, aureo­ variegata, aureo-marginata, aurea media picta, inversa, compacta, etc.).