Radio sensitivity studies in white seeded sesame (Sesamum indicum L.)

Abstract

Sesame is an quality edible oilseed crop with the ability to grow well under drought. Seeds of two white seeded sesame varieties viz., SVPR 1 and VRI 3 were irradiated with gamma ray at the following doses viz., 100, 200, 300, 400 and 500 Gy. Morphological, physiological and biochemical variations were observed in the irradiated population. All morphological parameters decreased with increased dose of gamma radiation in both varieties. In biochemical traits, photosynthetic pigments increased at lower doses in both varieties. Soluble protein and proline content recorded significant changes in intermediate and higher doses in both varieties. All quantitative traits except days to 50 % flowering recorded significant decrease in higher doses in both varieties. SVPR 1 was found to be more sensitive to gamma radiation than VRI 3. Lower doses of radiation had positive effect on the biochemical and quantitative traits in both varieties. In white seeded sesame, it was observed that doses above 300 Gy are not suitable to enhance trait values.

Keywords

• Sesame
• sensitivity
• gamma radiation