Digital Commons Network^™

Effects Of Low-Level Chronic Radiation On Plant Nuclear Parameters As Related To Successional Patterns, Eric A. Rechel

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

A major issue facing nuclear power stations is how to effectively deal with radioactive waste. This waste, as it comes from a reactor, is emitting large quantities of ionizing radiation which is usually confined. Another form of radioactive wastes is the mill tailings from uranium processing plants. These tailings are sites characterized by low-level chronic radiation.

The mill tailings of the Vitro Chemical Plant, in Salt Lake City, Utah, have been a point of radionuclide concentration and environmental contamination for 20 years. These tailings may adversely affect both surrounding ecosystems and any biological systems seeking to become established on the …

In Vitro Morphogenesis And Mutation Of Glycine Max L., Thomas Daniel Wilson

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Soybean (Glycine max L. c.v. Consoy) tissue cultures were grown in synthetic media containing various concentrations and combinations of minerals, auxins, cytokinins, pH levels, and inorganic growth factors in a systematic procedure to establish optimum media for initiation and maintenance of callus. Further modification of the hormone level was employed to initiate callus morphogenesis. Normally toxic levels of atrazine were established in soybean calli media, and ethyl methanesulfonate (EMS) and X ray-induced mutant calli were selected for atrazine tolerance.

Optimal media for initiation and maintenance of soybean calli were developed and a defined medium was determined that consistently yields …

The Effect Of Four Mine Spoil Treatments On The Seedling Water Relations Of Two Plant Species, Lorraine K. Van Kekerix

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Surface mines in mountainous areas cause environmental deterioration at lower elevations in the watershed. The most successful long term solution to the downstream problem is revegetation. However, mine spoils are low in essential plant nutrients, have low water holding capacity, and are often acidic. These factors limit plant colonization. Plants must also be adapted to the environmental conditions of high elevations.

At the McLaren Mine, }1ontana, at 2800 m, it was observed that seedlings on revegetation plots were desiccated, indicating possible water deficits. Field and growth chamber studies were carried out to determine the effects of some spoil ameliorating treatments …

The Influence Of Certain Growth Hormones On Plant Growth At Cold Temperatures, Michael D. Salvesen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Studies were conducted to determine the effect of externally applied growth hormones on winter rye (Secale cereale var. cougar). The rye was grown under the snow in a specially prepared tunnel on a mountain side near Logan, Utah. These plants showed a remarkable ability to grow at 0°C. Three growth hormones, kinetin, gibberellic acid (GA), and auxin (indole-3-acetic acid) were externally applied to rye seedlings growing in the tunnel. These seedlings were alter weighed, measured and tested for soluble protein content. The three hormone treatments had no significant effects on the fresh weights or shoot lengths of the …

Characteristics And Genesis Of The Payson And Trenton Soils, Hakeem T. Saif

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

It is necessary to study the genesis of the Payson and Trenton polypedons in northern Utah to understand why the Payson polypedon is an Alfisol, while the Trenton polypedon is a Mollisol. Even though the soil-forming factors appear similar, the soils differ at the order level. Two pedons, one belonging to the Payson polypedons and the other belonging to the Trenton polypedon, have been described and sampled by genetic horizons. Both pedons have essentially the same climate, slope, age, elevation, and are developed on the parent material of Lake Bonneville sediments.

The differences in physical, chemical and mineralogical properties among …

Rodent Density And Species Composition In The Snake River Birds Of Prey Natural Area, Idaho, Jon R. Montan Jr.

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Rodent densities were estimated in the major vegetation types of the Snake River Birds of Prey Natural Area in 1975 and 1976 by a combination of live-trapping and kill-trapping. Only deer mice (Peromyscus maniculatus) were numerous enough to permit reliable density estimates. Relative densities of other rodent species were indicated by kill-trap capture rates. Densities of deer mice correlated well (r = 0.99) with kill-trap capture rates. The use of kill-trapping in place of live-trapping in 1976 permitted extensive sampling throughout the 1930 km² study area. Differences were found among the major vegetation and land-use types in …

A Study Of Rest Period, Hardiness, And Bud Development Of The 'Concord' Grape, Mervin Gayle Weeks

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

The length of the 'Concord' grape rest period was evaluated during 1974-75 and 1975-76. Cuttings were placed in a 25 C growth chamber every two weeks from October through April. Number of days to reach 50 percent full bud swell was plotted to determine rest completion. Seven years of weather data and full bloom dates of 'Concord' grapes from Prosser, Washington were statistically analyzed to give another estimate of rest completion. Rest was terminated after about 830 chill units.

During 1974-75 and 1975-76, T₅₀ temperatures were determined every two weeks for both cambium and primary buds of 'Concord' grapes. …

Seasonal Course Of Root Respiration In Atriplex Confertifolia, Richard S. Holthausen

All Graduate Theses and Dissertations, Spring 1920 to Summer 2023

Root respiratory response of mature Atriplex confertifolia plants growing in established communities was measured during two growing seasons using freshly excised root segments and gas chromatography techniques. Respiratory response at fixed test temperatures changed significantly during the growing season, and this pattern of respiratory adjustment varied for root segments located at different depths in the soil profile. Respiration measured at a constant test temperature was highest during early sumner, and declined to minimum values in late summer and fall. Root segments taken from the top 30 cm of the soil profile displayed peak activity several weeks before root segments from …