ABSTRACT
Potatoes exposed either to gamma-rays at a dose of 20 krad, or irradiated with a beam of fast electrons at a dose of 30 krad to inhibit the sprouting of tubers, were studied for mutagenic effects. Toxic action and influence on the fertility were also investigated. Extracts of irradiated potatoes (10 krad gamma-rays), stored and then boiled, were also studied for their mutagenic effects. The induction of dominant lethal mutations (DLM) was used as indicator of mutagenic action of potatoes in male rats, that of the extracts of potatoes in male mice. Experimental animals (white rats) were fed with irradiated potatoes. Neither a toxic, nor a mutagenic action was found. Oral treatment of male mice with extracts of irradiated potatoes also did not increase the frequency of DLM in male mice.
