Effect of post-irradiation ageing on onion seeds

Abstract

Seeds of onion (Allium cepa) cv. Ailsa Craig were exposed to various doses of gamma radiation (0, 10, 20, 40, 80 and 100 krad) and subjected to accelerated ageing (RH 100%, 42°C) for 12 h. Radiation doses significantly affected the percentage of normal seedlings, abnormality types (%) and seedling growth. Seed viability, conductivities of seed leachates, final germination (%), germination speed and time to reach 50% germination (T 50 ) were not affected by the seed irradiation. Accelerated ageing after irradiation had significant influence on seed viability, conductivities of seed leachates, final germination (%) and percentage of normal seedlings. Germination speed, T 50 and seedling growth were not affected by the accelerated ageing. However, all the parameters studied were significantly influenced by the interaction of radiation doses and accelerated ageing. Accelerated ageing generally enhanced the damaging effects of irradiation on seeds. Therefore, it was concluded that onion seeds should not be exposed to adverse environmental conditions after irradiation.

Mold and Aflatoxin Reduction by Gamma Radiation of Packed Hot Peppers and Their Evolution during Storage

“…In general, the lower the moisture content of produce, the longer the storage stability and shelf life (2). The moisture content is also very important in case of irradiation because water radiolysis takes place during the radiation treatment, so irradiation is generally less effective in dried foods, such as red pepper.…”